Health Care Reform
American Epilepsy Society Position on Access to Epilepsy Care and Response to Treatment Gap
Revised April 2011
Introduction:
Within the context of the evolving healthcare reform legislation, we, as epilepsy care specialists, would like to define the needs of our patient population, and be proactive in assuring that their needs be adequately met. Benefits forthcoming as a result of the legislation must include:
-Extending coverage to currently uninsured Americans
-Outlawing denial of coverage due to pre-existing conditions (i.e., epilepsy)
-Eliminating lifetime limits on health coverage
Additionally, extension of benefits to include the specialized care essential for this vulnerable population living with epilepsy is essential.
The American Epilepsy Society is the organization of healthcare professionals who are committed to the highest level of care for patients with epilepsy. Members include pediatric and adult neurologists (many of whom are epileptologists because of their specialized fellowship training in epilepsy), neurosurgeons, neuropsychologists, nurse specialists, psychiatrists, pharmacists, social workers, and EEG technologists. These health care professionals usually work together in epilepsy centers. They have a broader experience with established and emerging medical and surgical therapies. Epileptologists also have training in and access to diagnostic and therapeutic technologies that are not otherwise available.
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