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Category: Public Policy

Public Policy

Attention residents: Interested in health policy? Apply for the Training in Policy Studies (TIPS) program today!

The American Osteopathic Association (AOA) is now accepting applications for the Training in Policy Studies (TIPS) program. The TIPS program is a policy-based program, generously funded by the American Osteopathic Foundation (AOF), that provides residents an understanding of current health care policy issues while also facilitating leadership opportunities. Sessions have focused on physician payment, drug … Read More

AOA Staff

05.24.24

Public Policy

AOA responds to tri-agency request for information on health care consolidation

On May 6, the AOA responded to a Request For Information (RFI) from the Department of Justice (DOJ), Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on the impact of health care consolidation. The letter states that while large, integrated health systems can enhance care efficiency and access to innovative technologies, … Read More

AOA Staff

05.21.24

Public Policy

AOA submits statement to Senate Finance Committee on bolstering chronic care via Medicare physician payment

In a recent statement to the Senate Finance Committee, the AOA voiced its support for reforms that enhance Medicare payments and promote access to high-quality care, particularly for patients with chronic conditions. The AOA highlighted the pressing need for stable, sustainable physician payment structures to address the escalating demand for medical services among America’s aging … Read More

AOA Staff

05.04.24

Public Policy

FTC finalizes rule banning non-compete clauses in employment contracts

On April 23, the Federal Trade Commission voted 3-2 to finalize a rule banning non-compete clauses in employment contracts. The proposed rule issued in Jan. 2023 received over 26,000 comments from stakeholders with an overwhelming majority supporting the change. The AOA submitted comments to the FTC along with 45 osteopathic affiliates expressing support for limiting … Read More

AOA Staff

05.02.24

Public Policy

Tell us how the Change cyberattack has impacted your practice and patients

The AOA is seeking feedback from members to better understand the extent to which the Change Healthcare cyberattack, which occurred on Feb. 21, continues to impact physicians and patients. The attack on Change Healthcare, a clearinghouse subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group, resulted in system outages that caused disruptions to electronic transactions across the health care ecosystem. … Read More

AOA Staff

04.30.24

Public Policy

Short-term, limited duration insurance final rule

On March 28, the Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS), Department of Labor and Department of Treasury released their final rule preventing short-term, limited-duration insurance (STLDI) plans from being marketed as standard coverage. In this rule, the Departments finalized provisions to limit the length of coverage under STLDI plans from up to 36 months … Read More

AOA Staff

04.28.24

Public Policy

CY2025 Medicare Advantage and Part D final rule

On April 4, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the CY2025 Medicare Advantage and Part D final rule. The rule makes several changes to improve access to timely care supported by the AOA, including: Adding network adequacy evaluation standards for an “Outpatient Behavioral Health” new facility-specialty provider category; Requiring MA utilization management … Read More

AOA Staff

04.26.24

AOA, Public Policy

DO Day on Capitol Hill: Celebrating success and looking ahead

This year’s DO Day on Capitol Hill was a resounding success, as hundreds of osteopathic physicians, students and advocates came together to make their voices heard in the halls of Congress. The AOA is proud of the passion and commitment demonstrated by participants, and we are excited to share some of the key accomplishments and … Read More

AOA Staff

04.24.24

Public Policy

AOA and affiliate send letter of support on physician burnout legislation

The AOA and the Minnesota Osteopathic Medical Society (MOMS) recently sent a letter supporting Minnesota state bill, S.F.3531, which enacts various policies aimed at supporting physician wellness and addressing burnout, to the benefit of the state’s physicians as well as the patients whom they serve. The letter states that, as of 2023, 26 state medical … Read More

AOA Staff

03.23.24