AOA responds to CMS on technology in Medicare

On June 16, the AOA submitted formal comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in response to its Request for Information on improving the digital health ecosystem for Medicare beneficiaries. The comments highlighted the need for stronger oversight, smarter reimbursement models and greater interoperability to support innovation in care delivery.

In addition, the comments also recommended the following:

Support for enhanced FDA and ONC oversight of AI and digital health tools to ensure safety, efficacy and transparency.
Recommendations for improved reimbursement pathways for digital therapeutics and software tools under Medicare.
Calls to expand access to real-time benefit tools and prior authorization data through interoperable APIs.
Advocacy for streamlined quality reporting across payers using electronic standards to reduce administrative burden.

AOA also highlighted the need to support small and rural physician practices in adopting technology, and urged CMS to use demonstration projects to evaluate digital health tools in preventive care.