Public Policy Archives (original) (raw)
Advocacy begins with voting. Help get out the vote today!
Voting plays a crucial role in shaping the future of health care, directly influencing policies that affect the osteopathic profession. Elections determine the lawmakers responsible for decisions on key issues, including funding for graduate medical education, addressing Medicare physician payment, scope of practice issues and broader public health initiatives. By participating in the electoral process … Read More
DO Day 2025 call for speakers campaign now open
The AOA is currently looking for seasoned osteopathic physician and student advocates to speak and present virtually at DO Day on Capitol Hill 2025! If you have a topic that you would like to virtually present at DO Day, let us know by applying below today! DO Day attendees will have the option to participate … Read More
Physician fee schedule comments overview
The AOA recently submitted comments on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed CY2025 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, which outlines critical changes that will affect physician reimbursement, telehealth services and overall healthcare delivery. Below is an abridged summary of the key points highlighted in the response. Calendar year 2025 conversion factor CMS has … Read More
Senate introduces bipartisan legislation that raises budget neutrality threshold
On Aug. 1, 2024, Senators Boozman, Welch, Tillis, King, Marshall and Shaheen introduced the bipartisan Physician Fee Stabilization Act (S. 4935) before they left for August Recess. This bill raises the budget neutrality threshold from 20millionto20 million to 20millionto53 million, with scheduled increases every five years to align with the Medicare Economic Index (MEI). Unfortunately, … Read More
Senate committee adopts AOA’s language to expand the use and coverage of OMT
On Aug. 1, 2024, the Senate Appropriations Committee held a markup of its FY25 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies funding. The bill and accompanying report include language encouraging the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to expand the use and coverage of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT). The AOA is grateful … Read More
AOA advocates for fair and sustainable value-based payment reforms
On July 11, the AOA responded to Senators Sheldon Whitehouse and Bill Cassidy’s request for information on value-based payment reforms. The letter emphasized many key points about value-based reforms including that new payment models should be optional, tailored to various specialties, and avoid reducing overall payments. The letter also highlighted the need to recognize the … Read More
Guide to prior authorization and gold card exemption policies
The AOA recently released a guide outlining challenges with prior authorizations (PA) and the problems it can cause to patient access to care. The AOA has been an advocate for PA reform to address the burdensome and often harmful PA requirements imposed by health plans. These requirements have increased significantly over the past decade, affecting … Read More
AOA hosts annual House of Delegates meeting
The AOA recently hosted its annual House of Delegates (HOD) meeting, a cornerstone event that features our commitment to physician-led governance and the development of sound policies for the osteopathic profession. The HOD serves as the AOA’s primary policy-making body, bringing together delegates from across the country to deliberate and vote on key issues affecting … Read More
Navigating the CMS Medicare Physician Fee Schedule proposed rule
On July 10, 2024, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued the CY2025 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule proposed rule which includes updates to physician payment policies, the Quality Payment Program (QPP) and the Medicare Shared Savings Program. Key takeaways include the following: CMS has proposed a 2.8% reduction in physician payment, which results … Read More
AOA Public Policy Staff
07.12.24