Top Tips for Testifying at a Hearing!

In October, I joined forces with fellow Arthritis Foundation advocates to testify on step therapy reform. We traveled to the Massachusetts State House in Boston and shared our stories with legislators. Testifying at a bill hearing may seem intimidating, but here are my tips for making it less scary.

Remember that you are your legislator's boss

Legislators want to hear from their constituents. They appreciate you taking the time to come and weigh in on a bill that matters to you. It if helps you, bring notes to reference.

Remember, its impossible for legislators to know about every bill being debate, so it is our job to educate our legislators on what is happening to the millions of Americans with arthritis.

It's ok to say "I don't know"

Legislators don’t expect you to know everything about the bill.  In the unlikely event that they ask you a question and you don’t know the answer it is perfectly appropriate to say “I am not sure, but will follow up with you to get the answer.” Then the staff from the arthritis foundation can help find the answer!

You are the expert of your story

No one knows your story better then you do.

That is why you are at the hearing to testify; to share your story and to show how the legislation can impact millions of patients just like you.

You have the chance to make a difference and you CAN do it! With these tips, you’ll be ready to share your story and advocate on legislation that would make a difference to the arthritis community. Remember, elected officials are just like you and me!

You can take action today by sending a message to your legislator about federal step therapy reform via the Action Center. With just a few minutes, you can let your elected officials know that you support breaking down barriers to care for people with arthritis.

 

 

 

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