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Updates from Washington

News from Capitol Hill and statehouses across the country shifts rapidly, so it’s important to stay up to date. Here, you’ll find the latest information on the policies that The Michael J. Fox Foundation and our nationwide network of policy advocates are working on to support the Parkinson's community.


  • Public Policy and Parkinson's Disease: Highlights of the Past Year and Plans for 2017

    New Legislation Could Eliminate Barriers for Medical Cannabis Research

    There are several bills in the U.S. House and Senate designed to remove barriers that impede safe and legal access to cannabis by medical researchers.
    Learn more

  • Doctor's white coat and red stethoscope.

    URGENT: 2020 Medicare Open Enrollment Begins October 15

    During this period, Medicare beneficiaries may make changes to health care and prescription drug plans, which will take effect January 1, 2020.
    Learn more

  • Ted Thompson, Todd Sherer and Admiral Bill Mac Kenzie.

    Progress on the National Neurological Conditions Surveillance System

    MJFF met with the CDC to discuss the progress being made on the National Neurological Conditions Surveillance System.
    Learn more

  • From L to R: Dan Lewis, Christiana Evers (Parkinson’s Foundation), Gerry Haines, Ted Thompson (The Michael J. Fox Foundation), and Michael Sweet.

    2019 Parkinson’s Advocacy Awards Presented to Community Members

    These awards shine a spotlight on efforts to further policies that benefit people with Parkinson's, their families and care partners.
    Learn more

  • What Does the Government Shutdown Mean for the Parkinson’s Community?

    2019 Parkinson’s Policy Forum Drives Change on Access to Care Issues

    Last week, more than 150 Parkinson's disease advocates convened in Washington, D.C. for the 2019 Parkinson's Policy Forum.
    Learn more

  • Patients and Doctor

    Medicare Should Cover Licensed Mental Health Counseling

    MJFF is working with colleagues on Capitol Hill to pass an act that addresses the shortage of mental health providers throughout the U.S. by providing coverage for licensed mental health counselor…
    Learn more

Michael J. Fox in blue sweater posing for the camera.

Patients First

Our Foundation exists for one reason: to speed breakthroughs patients can feel in their everyday lives.

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Join the Parkinson's Policy Network

By telling your personal story, you can shape policymakers' decisions on issues of importance to the Parkinson's community.

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