Public Policy Advocacy
Michigan Public Policy Priorities 2013
Epilepsy Foundation Michigan is the only statewide nonprofit organization that focuses entirely on epilepsy. Our role in the fight against epilepsy is an important one, and as such, we maintain a blueprint to success to help us maintain course. These are the areas of our Public Policy Agenda that we have earmarked as our Top Public Policy Priorities for 2013:
Affordable Care Act Implementation
In accordance with the joint policy of the Epilepsy Foundation, the American Epilepsy Society, and the American Academy of Neurology, the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan strongly supports affordable access to treatment options and speciality care essential to a health benefit package, therefore, the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan will work to:
Persons living with epilepsy often find themselves dealing with mental illness, and they may be more likely than other people to experience emotional changes. Studies show that up to 60 percent of people living with epilepsy are also living with a mood disorder. The Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan urges legislators to support parity coverage for all mental disorders.
Re-instate Mandatory Motor Cycle Helmet Laws
The Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan supports the maintenance and enforcement of helmet and seatbelt laws which saves lives and health care dollars by preventing traumatic brain injuries and the epilepsy often associated with such injuries.
On the one year anniversary recently, studies showed that Michigan, like other states who have rescinded their mandatory motorcycle laws, saw an increase in fatalities and injures related to lack of helmet wearing. We urge riders to wear helmets and other protective gear, and to learn more about safety. The Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan supports any legislation that would restore mandatory motorcycle helmets in Michigan.
Our Public Policy Advocacy Programs
Legislative Breakfast
The Foundation also sponsors an annual Legislative Breakfast each spring in Lansing. The purpose of the breakfast is to provide a forum for individuals affected by epilepsy to meet with their legislators and to discuss some of their public policy concerns. The Foundation updates attendees on our public policy recommendations and provides coaching to help them express their concerns. Priority issues for the breakfast often focus on access to health care, medication, physician specialists, and employment.
Speak Up Speak Out
Use this tool to join our network of Speak Up Speak Out advocates. Becoming part of this growing grassroots advocacy group ensures that you are kept up-to-date on issues that affect the 100,000 people with epilepsy and their families living in Michigan.
Epilepsy Foundation Michigan is the only statewide nonprofit organization that focuses entirely on epilepsy. Our role in the fight against epilepsy is an important one, and as such, we maintain a blueprint to success to help us maintain course. These are the areas of our Public Policy Agenda that we have earmarked as our Top Public Policy Priorities for 2013:
Affordable Care Act Implementation
In accordance with the joint policy of the Epilepsy Foundation, the American Epilepsy Society, and the American Academy of Neurology, the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan strongly supports affordable access to treatment options and speciality care essential to a health benefit package, therefore, the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan will work to:
- Ensure that the minimum Essential Health Benefits (EHB) developed under the Affordable Care Act guarantees access to: speciality care; physician directed epilepsy treatment innovations; and a robust prescription drug formulary to maintain access to anti-epilepsy drugs without "fail first" or prior authorization procedures.
- Advocate that the state accept the Medicaid expansion included in the Affordable Care Act. It is estimated by the University of Michigan Center for Health Research that 600,000 people will benefit and save the state a total of $1.7 billion in net savings from 2014 through 2019.
Mental Health Parity
Persons living with epilepsy often find themselves dealing with mental illness, and they may be more likely than other people to experience emotional changes. Studies show that up to 60 percent of people living with epilepsy are also living with a mood disorder. The Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan urges legislators to support parity coverage for all mental disorders.
Re-instate Mandatory Motor Cycle Helmet Laws
The Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan supports the maintenance and enforcement of helmet and seatbelt laws which saves lives and health care dollars by preventing traumatic brain injuries and the epilepsy often associated with such injuries.
On the one year anniversary recently, studies showed that Michigan, like other states who have rescinded their mandatory motorcycle laws, saw an increase in fatalities and injures related to lack of helmet wearing. We urge riders to wear helmets and other protective gear, and to learn more about safety. The Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan supports any legislation that would restore mandatory motorcycle helmets in Michigan.
Our Public Policy Advocacy Programs
Legislative Breakfast
The Foundation also sponsors an annual Legislative Breakfast each spring in Lansing. The purpose of the breakfast is to provide a forum for individuals affected by epilepsy to meet with their legislators and to discuss some of their public policy concerns. The Foundation updates attendees on our public policy recommendations and provides coaching to help them express their concerns. Priority issues for the breakfast often focus on access to health care, medication, physician specialists, and employment.
Speak Up Speak Out
Use this tool to join our network of Speak Up Speak Out advocates. Becoming part of this growing grassroots advocacy group ensures that you are kept up-to-date on issues that affect the 100,000 people with epilepsy and their families living in Michigan.
