Will there be better treatment options in the future? 

Federal Research Funding 

What is federal research funding?  

Federal appropriations are funding decisions made by Congress that determine how much support federal agencies and programs receive. These investments help fund medical research, public health programs, and services that support people living with chronic diseases, including arthritis.  

Why it matters for people with arthritis  

Federal funding supports arthritis research, public health initiatives and programs that help improve treatment, expand understanding of disease and support access to care. Sustained investment is critical to advancing new therapies, improving outcomes and addressing the growing burden of arthritis in the United States.  

What the Arthritis Foundation supports  

• Strong, sustained federal investment for arthritis research and public health programs  
• Increased investment in agencies and programs that support arthritis prevention, treatment and innovation  
• Federal support for research that improves patient outcomes and quality of life  
• Funding that helps expand access to evidence-based care and health resources  
• Innovation that improves patient outcomes and quality of life  

Biomarker Testing  

What is the issue?

Biomarker testing uses information from the body —, such as genes, proteins or other biological markers, — to help guide diagnosis, treatment decisions and disease management. Biomarker testing can help doctors better understand how a disease may progress or how a patient may respond to certain treatments.  

Why it matters for people with arthritis  

People living with arthritis may respond differently to treatments, making timely and personalized care important. Biomarker testing and related research may help support earlier diagnosis, more targeted treatment decisions, and improved health outcomes over time.  

What the Arthritis Foundation supports  

• Patient access to medically appropriate biomarker testing  
• Coverage policies based on current scientific evidence and clinical guidelines  
• Continued research to advance precision medicine and personalized treatment approaches  
• Timely access to testing that may help inform treatment decisions  
• Policies that support innovation and evidence-based care for people with arthritis    

Weight Management/Obesity as a Chronic Disease

What is the issue?  

Weight management includes approaches that support achieving and maintaining a healthy weight through nutrition, physical activity, behavioral support, medical care and other evidence-based treatment options. The Arthritis Foundation recognizes obesity as a complex, chronic disease that can significantly affect arthritis and overall health.  

Why it matters for people with arthritis  

Weight can affect joint stress, inflammation, pain, mobility and disease outcomes for people living with arthritis. Research shows that healthy weight management may help improve symptoms, support mobility and enhance quality of life. Expanding access to comprehensive, evidence-based care and reducing stigma can help people with arthritis receive more personalized and effective support over time.  

What the Arthritis Foundation supports  

• Patient-centered, evidence-based approaches to healthy weight management  
• Access to comprehensive treatment options and supportive care services  
• Coverage for medically appropriate weight-management interventions  
• Education that helps people understand the connection between weight and joint health  
• Policies that address stigma and improve equitable access to care and community resources  
• Continued research to improve arthritis outcomes and quality of life through healthy weight management