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09/27/2022

Key Federal Legislation Update: Take Action

 

OSMA wants to ensure Ohio physicians are aware of the following pending issues in Congress, which are highly impactful to the practice of medicine. Physicians are encouraged to reach out to their elected officials in D.C. to urge support for these federal legislative proposals using the provided links.


HR 8800: Medicare Funding

The “Supporting Medicare Providers Act of 2022” has been introduced by physician congressional Representatives Ami Bera, MD (D-CA) and Larry Bucshon, MD (R-IN). This legislation would provide relief from Medicare cuts that may damage patient access to care. HR 8800 would provide a 4.42% increase to funding in the proposed 2023 Physician Fee Schedule from CMS. Language included in the bill also acknowledges the need to address the instability of the payment system long-term.

OSMA recently signed on to a coalition letter with the American Medical Association (AMA) urging Congressional leadership to take action on this issue before the end of the year.

Tell Congress to protect Ohio Medicare patients using the Physician Grassroots Network! >


HR 8487: Prior Authorization

This bill, also known as the “Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act of 2022” passed in the U.S. House on September 14. It contains provisions which would:

  • Require Medicare Advantage plans to implement electronic prior-authorization programs which adhere to newly developed federal standards, and establish real-time decision-making processes for items and services that are identified as “routinely approved.”
  • Mandate that Medicare Advantage plans issue accelerated prior authorization decisions for all other services in Medicare Part C.
  • Enhance transparency by requiring Medicare Advantage plans to report to CMS on the extent of their use of prior authorization and the rate of approvals and denials.

HR 8487 has companion legislation in the Senate, sponsored by Sens. Marshall (R-KS), Sinema (D-AZ), Thune (R-SD), and Brown (D-OH).

Tell the Senate to support HR 8487 using the Physician Grassroots Network! >


HR 4040: Telehealth

The U.S. House passed HR 8800, the “Advancing Telehealth Beyond COVID-19 Act of 2022,” at the end of July, and it now requires Senate approval. This legislation would provide a clean, two-year extension of critical telehealth policies enacted at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic through the end of 2024. This would include:

  • Lift the rural only and the originating site limitations for two years
  • Remove in-person requirements for telemental health for two years

Without further action, these policies will expire 151 days after the end of the public health emergency.

Tell Congress to make expanded access to covered telehealth services permanent using the Physician Grassroots Network! >

 



Should you have any questions for OSMA staff related to current or pending legislation, please email us at info@osma.org

 


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