Advocacy Priorities

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Advocacy Priorities

The Epilepsy Foundation is a vigorous advocate for people with epilepsy. The Foundation has been active in Congress, the executive branch, and the courts, focusing attention on the needs of those with epilepsy. Priorities for the Foundation include: the availability of affordable quality health care, the search for the cure, and the protection of civil rights for people with epilepsy. To learn more, select from the list below:

Health Care Reform

Without adequate health care and access to appropriate treatment, living with epilepsy becomes a far greater struggle.

  • Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Implementation
    The Medicare Modernization Act provided for a number of changes in the way individuals can access prescription drugs through the Medicare and Medicaid systems. Our Medicare site tracks Epilepsy Foundation efforts, periodic updates, links to outside resources, plan summaries and more. 
  • Medicaid Commission Hears Epilepsy Foundation Testimony
    Brien J. Smith, M.D., Chair of the Epilepsy Foundation Legal and Government Affairs Committee and a neurologist from Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, testified before the Medicaid Commission, focusing on the necessity of access to all anti-convulsants in the Medicaid program as prescribed by the physician.  
    Posted: November 21, 2006

Fight Discrimination

The Foundation has long been an advocate for civil rights. Even in today's society, a person with epilepsy is not guaranteed equality. The Epilepsy Foundation advocates promoting effective implementation and enforcement of civil rights laws.

The Search for the Cure

The search for the cure is an on-going priority for the Foundation. Recent developments may improve the quality of life for those living with seizures. Medical research sponsored by the National Institute for Neurological Disorders is a vital component in the search for the cure.

Promoting a Public Health Agenda

Epilepsy has a profound effect on people, their families, and the community as a whole. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently created an epilepsy program, with a focus on early detection and effective treatment of epilepsy. The Epilepsy Foundation will continue to work with the CDC to improve the quality of treatment for people with epilepsy.

Employment

The Epilepsy Foundation knows that employment is a fundamental part of a productive, successful life and can have a great impact on one's quality of life. Over the years, the Epilepsy Foundation has worked hard on legislation that is designed to improve access to employment and training programs for people with epilepsy.