The US Senate will be entering its July 4th weeklong recess without voting on a bill to repeal and replace major provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The bill as it now stands contains several elements that APTA finds troubling, including the elimination of requirements for coverage of "essential health benefits" (EHBs) including rehabilitation, and changes to Medicaid that would likely reduce patient access to care.

With the next opportunity for a Senate vote at least a week away, here are few things to keep in mind during the recess:

1. It's an evolving process.
The bill originally presented in the Senate is already beginning to morph in an effort to garner support, and it likely will change even more before all is said and done. Will EHBs and better Medicaid coverage become part of the mix? Hard to say, so stay tuned.

2. Recess is a great time to make a few calls.
Concerned about what you're seeing in the Senate bill? Contact your legislators—or better yet, attend a town hall if your lawmaker holds one. APTA offers this handy app that makes it easy to take action.

3. Your association is engaged.
APTA does not oppose the idea of improving the ACA—something APTA has made clear in its statements on the Senate bill and on the American Health Care Act approved by the US House of Representatives—but the association does oppose any provisions that would create unneeded barriers to care for Americans. And APTA has been at work on Capitol Hill educating lawmakers on the importance of habilitation and rehabilitation.

So, go ahead. Relax. Light a sparkler. Eat a burger. Watch a parade. But don't forget that there's work to be done.