AOA President Ira P. Monka, DO, urges action on Medicare physician payment

Last week, AOA President Ira P. Monka, DO, called on osteopathic physicians to continue the momentum from DO Day on Capitol Hill by building support for the Strengthening Medicare for Patients and Providers Act (H.R. 2474), which aims to establish stable, annual payment updates to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule based on the Medicare Economic Index (MEI).

In his message, Dr. Monka highlighted the growing gap between rising operating costs and stagnant payment rates, a situation made worse by high inflation. This imbalance places significant strain on osteopathic practices, particularly in rural and underserved areas, and jeopardizes the ability to provide essential care. If you have not done so already, we urge you to join this effort today by contacting your members of Congress to urge them to cosponsor this important legislation.