Federal Policy Changes Affect Arthritis Patients, Research
The Arthritis Foundation urges the federal government to reverse policy changes that threaten critical access to patient resources and scientific medical research.
February 24, 2025
On Jan. 31, 2025, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) directed recipients of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) funding to immediately stop all Department-funded diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs. Patient advocacy organizations deploy this CDC funding to connect people across the United States to essential disease management tools and treatment options, state and local programs, educational resources and more. A loss of funding could jeopardize access to these critical services and access to help U.S. adults and children better manage their condition.
Additionally, on Feb. 7, 2025, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced a new rule limiting research funding, specifically a 15% cap on indirect funding for research projects, significantly lower than the current 27% to 28% average. Indirect costs fund the infrastructure that supports groundbreaking research, including shared laboratory space, equipment, utilities and administrative services. This multi-billion-dollar budget cut would dramatically slow the pace of arthritis research and would make it harder for scientists to create new treatments. A Temporary Restraining Order has been issued.
In response, Arthritis Foundation President & CEO Steven Taylor has sent a letter to President Donald Trump and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., urging the government to reverse these harmful policies. These changes could reduce vital patient access to critical resources and delay new treatments.
The Arthritis Foundation remains committed to advocating for policies that protect all patients and ensure they receive the care and support needed. We will continue to seek solutions that put patients first.
Should you want to reach out to your legislators regarding policies, you can use this tool to find your legislators and their contact information.
Read the full letter here.
On Jan. 31, 2025, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) directed recipients of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) funding to immediately stop all Department-funded diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs. Patient advocacy organizations deploy this CDC funding to connect people across the United States to essential disease management tools and treatment options, state and local programs, educational resources and more. A loss of funding could jeopardize access to these critical services and access to help U.S. adults and children better manage their condition.
Additionally, on Feb. 7, 2025, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced a new rule limiting research funding, specifically a 15% cap on indirect funding for research projects, significantly lower than the current 27% to 28% average. Indirect costs fund the infrastructure that supports groundbreaking research, including shared laboratory space, equipment, utilities and administrative services. This multi-billion-dollar budget cut would dramatically slow the pace of arthritis research and would make it harder for scientists to create new treatments. A Temporary Restraining Order has been issued.
In response, Arthritis Foundation President & CEO Steven Taylor has sent a letter to President Donald Trump and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., urging the government to reverse these harmful policies. These changes could reduce vital patient access to critical resources and delay new treatments.
The Arthritis Foundation remains committed to advocating for policies that protect all patients and ensure they receive the care and support needed. We will continue to seek solutions that put patients first.
Should you want to reach out to your legislators regarding policies, you can use this tool to find your legislators and their contact information.
Read the full letter here.
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