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Public Policy

AOA Responds to the Ways and Means Committee’s Request for Information on Issues Impacting Rural Health

By AOA Staff

11.06.23

On Oct. 4, the AOA responded to the Ways and Means Committee’s Request for Information on issues impacting the rural health care landscape. The letter discusses key topics that are important to the AOA and osteopathic profession, including geographic payment differences, sustainable provider financing, aligning sites of service, implementing innovative model and improving the health care workforce. Some key highlights include:

  • Encouraging the committee to extend the 1.0 work geographic practice cost index (GPCI) floor and permanently extend certain adjustments for cost of practice before it expires;
  • Supporting the Strengthening Medicare for Patient and Providers Act (H.R. 2474), which helps establish stable, annual payment updates to the Medicare physician fee schedule based on the Medicare Economic Index (MEI);
  • Evaluate proposal such as the bipartisan Rural Physician Workforce Production Act (H.R. 834), which would allow certain hospitals to receive additional payments from Medicare employing resident physicians in rural areas;
  • Advocate for telehealth services through the Telehealth Expansion Act (H.R. 1843);
  • Reauthorize the Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery Loan Repayment Program, and more.

The AOA will continue to work with Congress to assist them with policies and legislation to improve rural health care. Be sure to help bolster our advocacy efforts by signing up for the Osteopathic Advocacy Network today.