Mrs Enright Goes to Washington: Reflections on Public Policy Workshop 2016

I’ve never been afraid to speak up and ask for what I want.  And my recent 36 hours in Washington DC were no exception. Every year, the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics holds a Public Policy Workshop, where hundreds of dietitians travel to Washington DC to “Storm the Hill” by approaching their local legislators’ offices about key nutrition issues that we are looking to have passed in Congress.  Yes, that’s right, I got to experience Schoolhouse Rock firsthand!

Growing Old 

Keeping People healthy is my #1 goal for doing what I do.  Helping form healthy habits is an on-going process. And as you grow old, things may change in regards to health.  While I hope those who read my blog will continue to have healthy lifestyles over the years, there are many Americans who need the help of dietitians now more than ever, especially retired folks receiving healthcare coverage through Medicare.

The Ins & Outs of Insurance

Currently, if you receive insurance through your employer, there’s a good chance insurance will cover your dietitian visit. However, things change once you transition to Medicare. Currently, Medicare will ONLY cover 3 hours of nutrition therapy and education in those who are diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes and non-dialysis kidney disease.  If you need nutrition assistance for anything else, then you’re responsible for payment.  Dietitians want to change this.

Public Policy Workshop 2016 Key Issues

This year, there were 3 major issues that dietitians were advocating to get passed in Congress. As we met with our legislators, we gave them the rundown about the issues and why they should support the following bills:

• Treat & Reduce Obesity Act in Medicare: Passing of this bill will allow Medicare to cover a dietitian visit for obesity and obesity prevention.
• Preventing Diabetes in Medicare: Those diagnosed with prediabetes would be able to work with a dietitian and learn about changing their lifestyle, not only reducing the need for medication, but potentially even reverse the development of diabetes.
• Child Nutrition Reauthorization Act: Several programs exist to limit food insecurity in children, including school meal programs and WIC. As it is written, there is risk some of the program benefits will not be in favor of the recipients.

Storming the Hill

Friday, June 24, 2016, dietitians passionate about making change trekked around Congressional buildings in DC visiting  the offices of our Senators and Representatives. The goal was not only to educate and plead our case for why these bills should get passed, but ultimately get the bill to the top of the legislator’s To Do list for their signature of approval. It involved meeting with a lot of junior staff members, where you hoped you touched a soft spot and got their attention with the information and personal stories about how these billed impact EVERYONE, not just the dietitians.

My experience involved meeting with staff members for Representative Leonard Lance, Senator Bob Menendez, and Senator Cory Booker.  The highlight of the day came at my last appointment, where I was scheduled to meet with a staff member for my NJ district representative, Chris Smith. We showed up a little early for the meeting, and happened to run into none other than Chris Smith himself in his office lobby. He introduced himself to us, and invited my colleagues and myself directly into his office, where we sat down and had a candid discussion about the issues at hand, and other popular nutrition topics and why dietitians are the ideal healthcare professionals to provide nutrition care. To date, Rep. Smith had not signed off on any of the bills we were discussing. Given his interest in the role nutrition plays in connection to disease, I am hoping interest was piqued enough to see his signature show up on the bill soon.

I am thrilled to have had the opportunity to experience Public Policy at work firsthand.  My high school AP Government teacher would be so proud of me! I am proud to not only represent NJ, but the Academy of Nutrition of Dietetics Nutrition Entrepreneurs subgroup.  I serve as their Reimbursement Chair and was sent to Public Policy on their behalf to promote greater nutrition coverage allowances for dietitians.

HAVE AN INTEREST IN ANY OF THESE ISSUES DISCUSSED, OR ANOTHER NUTRITION-RELATED ISSUE? TAKE ACTION NOW!

Which bill would you most like to see be put into law? How would more Medicare coverage benefit you and your family? Do you or someone you know have children who benefit from Child Nutrition Programs? Sound off in the Comments below!

DISCLAIMER: My registration and trip was compensated through the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics Nutrition Entrepreneurs subgroup as part of my role serving as Reimbursement Chair for the Executive Board.