Protect Access to Life-Saving Dermatology Care
Proposed Medicare Changes Threaten Life-Saving Skin Cancer Care
More than 70 million Americans rely on Medicare for access to health care, including life-saving skin cancer screenings and treatment. Surely that includes you, your loved ones, or your community.
Today, that access is at risk.
Proposed Medicare payment changes could make it much harder for patients to access dermatology care, including skin cancer screenings, diagnosis, and treatment.
And when it comes to skin cancer, early detection can mean the difference between life and death. For someone worried about a suspicious spot or waiting for answers about a potential skin cancer, any delay can have serious consequences. We cannot afford to put early detection and treatment at risk when patients need it most.
Forefront Dermatology, behind our passionate President, Dr. Betsy Wernli, is actively advocating for Medicare patients and the physicians who care for them. But we need your voice to make a bigger difference. Read on to find out how you can take quick action to help fight for access to life-saving care.
What Forefront Dermatology Is Doing
Forefront President Dr. Betsy Wernli is leading the charge in the fight for patients and dermatologists by engaging directly with federal policymakers, members of Congress, and CMS officials to explain how proposed Medicare payment changes could affect patient care.
Dr. Wernli has emphasized a simple principle: protecting access to dermatologic care isn't political, it's personal. She has met with lawmakers from both parties to advocate for policies that preserve timely diagnosis, support physician practices, and ensure Medicare beneficiaries can continue receiving the care they deserve.
As a practicing dermatologist, Dr. Wernli has shared firsthand perspectives about the importance of early diagnosis and treatment, particularly for Medicare patients and those living in rural communities. She has consistently emphasized that patient care is not partisan, and that protecting access to care is an issue that impacts every community.
But you don’t have to take our word for it. Hear from Dr. Wernli directly about why she’s so passionate about this issue and spending her time fighting for her patients.
What You Can Do
Contact Your Senators and Representative
Your voice matters.
Congress needs to hear directly from patients who are scared to lose access to care. Whether you currently use Medicare or expect to in the future, these proposed changes could affect your ability to receive the high-quality care you and your loved ones deserve.
Take less than 60 seconds to send a message to your U.S. Senators and Representative urging them to protect Medicare patients' access to life-saving dermatology care. The American Academy of Dermatology Association has made it easy with a pre-written message.
Sign the Community Statement
Join patients, physicians, healthcare professionals, and community advocates in supporting continued access to skin cancer care.
By signing the Community Statement, you can help demonstrate broad support for protecting patient access to early diagnosis and treatment.
Share Your Support
Help raise awareness by sharing this issue with family and friends, especially those who rely on Medicare or may do so in the future.
Skin cancer does not ask how someone votes. Access to timely care should not depend on it either.
“[My Forefront provider] found a tiny melanoma on my neck - looked like all the other spots. Took a biopsy - it came back positive. She caught it when it was in the first layer of skin. Quite remarkable!”
- Forefront Patient
“[My Forefront provider] has caught melanoma on my neck along with carcinoma on my nose and numerous other suspicious moles that were removed and tested. Please do not put off full body skin checks with a Board Certified Dermatologist which are critical to your health and well being.”
- Forefront Patient
"Protecting access to dermatologic care isn’t political. It’s personal. Thank you for joining the fight to save lives.”
- Betsy Wernli, MD, President, Forefront Dermatology