1. Medicare payment reform: The AMA is asking in its Jan. 22 letter to Congress that lawmakers reverse the 2.8% Medicare cuts that began Jan. 1 and enact “sustainable Medicare payment model that supports thriving independent physician practices.”
2. Prior authorization: The AMA said Congress should pass the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act, which aims to reform the Medicare Advantage prior authorization process. Among other things the bill would establish an electronic prior authorization process for MA plans including a standardization for transactions and clinical attachments. It would also increase transparency around the MA prior authorization requirements and its use.
3. Extend telehealth flexibilities: The AMA said Congress should make the telehealth flexibilities enacted during the COVID-19 public health emergency permanent before the latest government funding-agreement expires on March 31.
Read the full letter here.
