Will I be able to access the right specialists and services?   

Pediatric Rheumatology Workforce Shortage     

What is the issue?     

There is a nationwide shortage of pediatric rheumatologists and other specialists trained to diagnose and treat children with juvenile arthritis and related conditions.     

Why it matters for people with arthritis     

Early diagnosis and specialty care can improve outcomes and lives of children and young adults with arthritis. Limited access to trained providers can delay treatment, increase the travel burden for families and affect patients’ long-term health.     

 What the Arthritis Foundation supports     

• Policies that strengthen the pediatric rheumatology workforce    
• Training and student loan repayment programs that support specialty care     
• Improved access to pediatric specialty care in under-served areas and communities   

Network Adequacy     

What is network adequacy?     

Network adequacy standards require health insurance plans to include and maintain enough healthcare providers in their networks to ensure timely access to care.     

Why it matters for people with arthritis     

If a plan’s network does not include enough rheumatologists or specialists, patients may face long wait times, long travel distances or added costs to see the right provider.     

What the Arthritis Foundation supports     

• Strong network adequacy standards     
• Clear information about which providers are in-network     
• Protections that help ensure timely access to specialty care    

Medicaid   

What is the issue?   

Medicaid is a public health insurance program that provides health coverage for eligible children, adults, older adults and people with disabilities. Medicaid policies and coverage decisions can also influence how other health insurers design benefits and approach access to care.   

Why it matters for people with arthritis   

People living with arthritis often rely on Medicaid to access medications, specialty care and ongoing treatment. Because Medicaid is one of the nation’s largest health coverage programs, its policies can shape broader health care practices, influence coverage standards across the system and affect how patients access care over time.   

What the Arthritis Foundation supports   

• Protecting access to comprehensive, affordable coverage   
• Access to medically necessary treatments and medications   
• Continued access to specialty and pediatric rheumatology care   
• Policies that reduce disruptions in coverage and care continuity   
• Strong federal and state investments in Medicaid programs  

Vaccine Access   

What is the issue?   

Vaccines help protect people from serious infectious diseases by training the immune system to recognize and respond to harmful viruses or bacteria. Recommended vaccines are an important part of preventive care, especially for people with chronic health conditions.   

Why it matters for people with arthritis   

Some people living with arthritis may have a higher risk of infections due to their disease or medications that affect the immune system. Access to safe, effective vaccines and clear, evidence-based information can help reduce the risk of serious illness and support overall health.   

What the Arthritis Foundation supports   

• Access to recommended vaccines for people with arthritis across their lifespan  
• Evidence-based vaccine policies guided by scientific and medical experts   
• Clear, accurate public health information to support informed decision-making   
• Policies that protect access to preventive care and immunization services   
• Ongoing research and monitoring to support vaccine safety and effectiveness   

Scientific & Regulatory Integrity     

What is the issue?     

Federal agencies, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), evaluate treatments based on scientific evidence.     

Why it matters for people with arthritis     

Science-based decisions help protect access to safe and effective therapies and support continued innovation.     

What the Arthritis Foundation supports     

• Regulatory decisions grounded in scientific evidence     
• Transparency in the drug review process     
• Policies that protect patient access to approved treatments