WCA, Coalition support Tricare bill in Congress

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The World Chiropractic Alliance (WCA) joined the International Chiropractors Association (ICA) and Federation of Straight Chiropractors and Organizations (FSCO) in support of a newly introduced bill that would provide chiropractic care to U.S. military dependents and retirees through the "Tricare" program. All three organizations are members of the Chiropractic Coalition, which was formed in November 2002.

The bill ‑‑ HR 3476 ‑‑ contains provisions requiring that chiropractic services may be provided only by a doctor of chiropractic, without referral by any other health care provider. In addition, the definition of chiropractic services specifically includes detection and correction of vertebral subluxation, as well as neuro‑musculoskeletal conditions and "such other chiropractic services determined appropriate by the Secretary." The only restriction it puts on chiropractic is that it does not include the use of drugs or surgery.

"The bill contains all the elements outlined in the WCA's Legislative Policy Position Paper. It will be a tremendous step forward for the chiropractic profession and is an opportunity for all doctors of chiropractic to pull together for the common good," stated Terry A. Rondberg, D.C., WCA president. "The World Chiropractic Alliance is proud to throw its full support behind this bill and will work hard to ensure its passage."

Introducing a Tricare bill was one of several key legislative goals originally set by the Coalition when it was founded. Dr. Rondberg noted that it was a clear indication of the Coalition's success that so many of the goals have already been met, and that the members of the Coalition are still strongly united in their determination to work cooperatively on joint legislative projects.

A key factor in the successful introduction of HR 3476 was the relationship between ICA Legislative Committee Chairman Michael S. McLean, D.C., and Rep. Ed Schrock (R‑VA) an influential member of the House of Representatives Armed Services Committee. The two have known each other for years, and Dr. McLean ‑‑ who lives in Schrock's district ‑‑ has helped raise the legislator's awareness of the role of chiropractic in the American health care system. Illinois Rep. Lane Evans, a leading Democrat well known for his support for chiropractic issues, agreed to be the primary co‑sponsor for the initiative.

The American Chiropractic Association has also come out in support of the bill, although it passed an official resolution earlier this year that prohibits engaging in joint legislative efforts with other organizations.

Within days of its introduction B before it was even assigned a number B the bill had attracted nine co‑sponsors. In an unusual show of bipartisan support, the co‑sponsors include three Republicans and six Democrats. McLean reported that it was being very well‑received in Congress.

Members of the Coalition's three founding organizations will hold a "Joint Legislative Day" in Washington, D.C., on April 29, 2004. Doctors will be urged to make appointments with their Senators and Representatives to discuss the Tricare bill and other chiropractic legislation. The WCA has posted information on its website regarding the Tricare bill, along with an "action plan" ‑‑ including sample letters of support ‑‑ that will help doctors join the effort.