The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released the 2026 CMS Interoperability Standards and Prior Authorization for Drugs proposed rule with the intent to improve prior authorization so patients and providers can benefit from a more expeditious, transparent and reliable process. Specifically, CMS proposes to require impacted payers to support electronic prior authorization, … Read More
Congress is back in session with continued attention on health care affordability and oversight. The House Energy and Commerce Committee is advancing discussions on food safety and FDA oversight, while the House Ways and Means Committee will examine rising healthcare costs through a hearing with health system leaders. Additional action on drug pricing and affordability … Read More
The AOA continues to work closely with state partners and engage on key legislative and educational efforts that impact osteopathic physicians and their patients. Below are recent updates from across the country: Tennessee In Tennessee, lawmakers are considering House Bill 2619, legislation aimed at addressing insurer downcoding practices, where health plans reduce or alter billed … Read More
A broad coalition of national healthcare organizations, including the AOA, recently sent a letter to Reps. Suzan DelBene and Mike Kelly expressing strong support for the Chronic Care Management Improvement Act. The legislation would eliminate the current 20% Medicare cost-sharing requirement for chronic care management (CCM) services, a key barrier that limits patient access to … Read More
DO Day doesn’t end when you leave Capitol Hill; it continues with Virtual DO Day, offering on-demand CME designed to keep you informed, engaged and effective in today’s evolving health policy landscape. Whether you joined us in Washington or are looking to get more involved, Virtual DO Day provides practical, real-world insights into the issues … Read More
The TIPS program is a policy-based program exclusively for DO residents, generously funded by the American Osteopathic Foundation (AOF), that provides residents with an understanding of current healthcare policy issues while also facilitating leadership opportunities. Participants will gain hands-on experience in policy by attending meetings led by experts, drafting policy briefs and papers, engaging in … Read More
The AOA joined a coalition of national physician and specialty physician organizations in urging Congress to conduct robust oversight of medical care provided in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) family detention facilities. The coalition raised serious concerns about reports of delayed or denied medical care for detainees, including children and pregnant women, as well as … Read More
The AOA recently expressed support for the Foreign Medical School Accountability Fairness Act, bipartisan legislation introduced by Senator Richard Durbin and Representative Kim Schrier, MD. The bill would ensure that foreign medical schools receiving federal funding are held to the same enrollment and licensing exam pass-rate standards as U.S.-based medical schools. Currently, a limited number … Read More
The AOA continues to work closely with state osteopathic affiliates to advance legislation that protects physician practice, strengthens the workforce and safeguards patient access to care. Below are highlights of the states and issues where the AOA has actively advocated on behalf of osteopathic physicians and their patients during this legislative session. Michigan Michigan’s participation … Read More