The Continuing Resolution (CR) just introduced in Congress fails the nation’s physicians and their patients. By allowing the 2.8% Medicare payment cut to proceed, lawmakers are putting immense financial strain on physician practices—especially those in rural and underserved areas. This failure to act jeopardizes independent practices and patients access to care. Physicians cannot continue to … Read More
Earlier this week, AOA leaders and DOs from multiple specialties participated in a series of high-level meetings and events in Washington, D.C., to advance the priorities of the osteopathic profession. As a non-partisan physician membership organization, the AOA is committed to advocating for health care policies that support the delivery of high-quality care, respect scientific … Read More
AOA opposes H.B. 1071 to protect patient safety in South Dakota Last week, the AOA submitted a letter to the South Dakota House Health and Human Services Committee opposing H.B. 1071, which seeks to eliminate physician supervision requirements for physician assistants (PAs), allowing them to practice independently. The AOA emphasized the risks to patient safety … Read More
The AOA supports reforms to reduce administrative burdens, particularly related to prior authorization (PA), which has increasingly delayed care and burdened physician practices. Recently, the AOA submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on the CY2026 Medicare Advantage Program, Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Program, Medicare Cost Plan Program and Programs of … Read More
In early February, AOA President Teresa A. Hubka, DO, launched a grassroots campaign urging members to take action by emailing their members of Congress to encourage them to support the Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act (H.R. 879). Dr. Hubka’s campaign highlighted that the rising financial challenges are putting physician practices at risk, and … Read More
The following message was shared with AOA members on behalf of AOA President Teresa A. Hubka, DO, FACOOG (Dist.), and CEO Kathleen S. Creason, MBA: During this time of transition for our nation, the AOA remains dedicated to representing the interests of more than 197,000 members of our profession and the millions of patients they … Read More
The AOA and the Virginia Osteopathic Medical Association (VOMA) recently partnered on a grassroots campaign strongly opposing Virginia Senate Bill 904. This bill seeks to eliminate the medical malpractice cap for cases involving patients under 10 years old, a move that would have significant negative consequences for Virginia’s health care system. The current law prevents … Read More
The 119th Congress convened on Jan. 3, 2025, welcoming more than 70 new members of Congress alongside many pro-physician champions of osteopathic medicine. With health care challenges continuing to evolve, now is a critical time for the osteopathic community to engage with lawmakers. Sending a welcome letter through the Osteopathic Advocacy Network (OAN) Action Center … Read More
The AOA has responded to the FSMB Advisory Commission’s draft guidance on Additional Licensing Models (ALM) for internationally trained physicians. While the AOA prioritizes attracting U.S. medical graduates to underserved areas, it supports FSMB’s efforts to ensure ALMs uphold rigorous, standardized requirements for patient safety. Key recommendations include empowering state medical boards with the authority … Read More