Advocacy Focus

In the interest of supporting high-value, high-quality care, COGI supports policies that promote full access to the most appropriate drug regimens at the most appropriate time for patients with IBD and related illness. We understand and share concerns about cost and support efforts to ensure appropriate use of IBD therapies. Any strategies to address cost, however, must first protect patient access to the most appropriate therapy for treatment of their disease, as determined by their physician.

PRIORITIES AND POLICIES

Several factors can play a role in gaining and retaining excess weight – environmental factors, genetics, diet, and lack of exercise. People who are overweight are more likely to suffer from high blood pressure, high levels of blood fats, diabetes and LDL cholesterol – all risk factors for heart disease and stroke.

PRIORITIES AND POLICIES

Colorectal cancer disproportionately impacts communities of color. Black individuals have the highest incidence and mortality and face lower survival than white individuals. American Indian/Alaskan Natives also have elevated rates and deaths compared to the general population and represent the only racial/ethnic group for whom colorectal cancer mortality rates are not declining. Racial and ethnic minorities are also more likely than white individuals to present with late-stage, incurable disease.

PRIORITIES AND POLICIES

People of Color are less likely to receive mental health services compared to those who are white. From 2008-2012, among adults with any mental illness, 46.3% of white adults received mental health services, compared with 41.6% of American Indian or Alaska Native (AIAN) adults, 30% of Black adults, 27% of Hispanic adults and 18.1% of Asian adults. The Surgeon General’s landmark report on mental health concluded that when racial and ethnic minority individuals are able to receive mental health care, it is more likely to be poor in quality.

Lack of health insurance is a significant factor affecting access to mental health treatment, and many factors contribute to the fact that people of color are more likely to be uninsured. In 2018, Black people were 1.5 times more likely to be uninsured; Hispanic people were 2.5 times more likely be uninsured; and AIAN people were 2.9 times more likely to be uninsured compared to white people.

Stigma is another factor that impacts access to mental health treatment, and many studies have shown that stigma around mental illness is higher among communities of color.

Our advocacy focus is on:

• Increasing Access to Care
• Proper Coding in ICD-10 Z Codes to advance the needs of mental health symptoms when SDOH is a determining factor outside of typical disorders/diagnosis
• Improving Youth Mental Health

PRIORITIES AND POLICIES

Researchers have recently established a clear connection between IBD and celiac disease. Indeed, a recently published study has found a ninefold increased risk of having IBD in patients previously diagnosed with celiac disease. COGI supports increased funding for NIH for the study of celiac disease which will help determine causation , find treatment alternatives to a gluten-free diet, and hopefully, ultimately cure celiac disease.

Moreover, research on celiac disease reveals racial disparities in healthcare for people of color. Based on the available data, the African American community in the U.S. needs more attention from the celiac community, and COGI is working to facilitate and promote that collaboration. COGI also is working to provide additional social support, improved medical attention and additional research.