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News

Category: Public Policy

Public Policy

What DOs should know about the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule

On Nov. 1, 2024, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued the CY2025 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule, which includes updates to physician payment policies, the Quality Payment Program (QPP) and Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP). The AOA has developed an in-depth resource outlining key changes that could impact physician practices in … Read More

AOA Staff

11.18.24

Public Policy

AOA engages with osteopathic affiliates to advance advocacy and leadership engagement

This month, the AOA had the opportunity to connect with osteopathic physicians and students across the country by participating in multiple affiliate meetings and conferences. Through engaging discussions on advocacy engagement, we reaffirmed our commitment to supporting our members by advancing commonsense health policy. In the month of October, the AOA joined conferences for the … Read More

AOA Staff

11.07.24

Public Policy

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

AOA Public Policy Staff

09.18.24

Public Policy

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

AOA Staff

09.16.24

Public Policy

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

AOA Staff

09.13.24

Public Policy

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 $20 million to $53 million, with scheduled increases every five years to align with the Medicare Economic Index (MEI). Unfortunately, … Read More

AOA Staff

08.21.24

Public Policy

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 Staff

08.06.24

Public Policy

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

AOA Staff

08.05.24

Public Policy

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 Staff

08.03.24