Principles for Health Care Reform

The Epilepsy Foundation urges Congress to undertake comprehensive and meaningful health care reform that will provide adequate, accessible, portable and affordable coverage for people with epilepsy and other chronic health conditions. 

The Epilepsy Foundation believes that health care reform proposals must address the needs of individuals with chronic conditions and disabilities like epilepsy.  The lack of access to neurologists and to appropriate treatments makes a dramatic impact on the health, family and employment situation for individuals living with epilepsy and seizures.  The Foundation is also concerned about mandatory substitution of generic antiepileptic drugs as there may be significant differences between the characteristics of brand name and generic anti-epileptic drug formulations, as well as among generic anti-epileptic drugs. The fact that these differences may exist could result in adverse effects, including loss of seizure control and the development of toxic side effects. Changing from one formulation of the drug to another can usually be accomplished, and risks minimized, if physicians and patients are informed in advance, agree to it, and carefully monitor for toxicity, side effects, and potential increase in seizure activity.

As leaders address the national crisis of health care reform, the Epilepsy Foundation urges support for the following priorities for health care reform:

• People with epilepsy must have access to and coverage for the treatment that works best for them, at an affordable cost.

• Informed consent from physicians and patients should be required before any substitution of anti-epileptic drugs.

• Access to specialists (neurologists and epileptologists) is critical for the adequate diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy.
  
  
• All pre-existing conditions and chronic illness must be covered without limitation.