2009-06-23 18:18:24 -

Patients and representatives from the Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF) - a national non-profit organization that seeks to safeguard patients through effective mediation assuring access to care, maintenance of employment and preservation of their financial stability relative to their diagnosis of life threatening or debilitating diseases – are in Washington, D.C. this week for the organization’s 10 th Annual Patient Congress. The gathering is aimed at addressing the needs of patients suffering from life threatening or debilitating diseases.

PAF’s two-day Patient Congress allows patients, caregivers, health care professionals and non-profit patient advocacy representatives to explore the healthcare system and participate in the legislative process by meeting with their leaders in Washington and advocating for patient-centric legislation. Participants will attend educational workshops and meet

with Members of Congress to help advance the national dialogue and drive solutions on improving patient access to care.

“We are excited to be in Washington meeting with legislators and providing a voice for all patients,” said Nancy Davenport-Ennis, CEO of PAF. “It is a sad fact that more than 93 percent of the patients we serve are insured and are still unable to access medical care. We are committed to creating programs and services that ensure no patient is turned away and that all people receive the quality care they need and deserve.”

While meeting with legislators this year, Patient Congress participants will be asking their elected officials to improve access to health care services and eliminate barriers to health insurance coverage for all patients, particularly those suffering from the current economic crisis.

Participants will encourage Members of Congress to enact comprehensive health care reform legislation this year that is universal, affordable, quality, fair & equitable, and portable.

PAF was founded on the principle that healthcare is a basic human need and shared social responsibility, and is dedicated to working collectively with the Obama Administration, Congress and all levels to government to overcome the challenges and create solutions that will allow for high-quality, affordable, and effective healthcare for all.
PAF services are available to all patients, patient families and medical professionals and offer a variety of patient assistance programs including Co-Pay Relief and Colorectal CareLine, as well as insurance claims intervention, job retention services and debt crisis management.

Twenty-four members of the U.S. Senate and 70 members of the U.S. House of Representatives will serve as Honorary Chairpersons of the 10 th Annual Patient Congress. PAF is appreciative of their support and thankful for their work on behalf of America’s vulnerable and frail patient population.

For more information about the 10 th Annual Patient Congress, please visit www.pc.patientadvocate.org : or call toll free (800) 532-5274.

Patient Advocate Foundation is a national non-profit organization that seeks to safeguard patients through effective mediation assuring access to care, maintenance of employment and preservation of their financial stability.

Patient Advocate FoundationLeigh Ann Bradley, 703-548-0019