LUGPA Returns to Washington: October DC Fly-In RecapIn October, LUGPA hosted its final DC Fly-In of 2023, when members converged in Washington, DC, to advocate for critical healthcare reforms outlined in the 2023 Legislative and Regulatory Agenda. Here's an overview of the key issues discussed:
Challenges Amid Historic Speaker Vote
LUGPA's October fly-in coincided with the historic Speaker vote, presenting unique challenges for our advocacy efforts. The political landscape was particularly dynamic, with many lawmakers engrossed in the selection of a new Speaker of the House. This added an additional layer of complexity to LUGPA's mission, as it required navigating a politically charged atmosphere while advocating for critical healthcare reforms. However, LUGPA's members rose to the occasion, engaging with lawmakers to ensure their voices were heard amidst this significant political event, underscoring their unwavering commitment to championing policies that benefit independent medical practices and enhance patient care. Advocating for LUGPA’s Policy Priorities During the two-day fly-in, LUGPA members engaged in discussions with lawmakers, addressing many of our top healthcare issues. Lawmakers were informed of the dire need to reform the Medicare fee schedule and the co-sponsorship of the "Strengthening Medicare for Patients and Providers Act" (HR 2474) that ties payments to the Medicare Economic Index. The looming 3.3 percent reduction scheduled for January 1 raised significant apprehension among several members, who emphasized the urgency of implementing long-term reforms to the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) and the fee schedule. LUGPA has consistently advocated for fair Medicare funding and a level playing field for independent healthcare providers, given the existing regulations favoring hospital-based providers. During our meetings, we learned that similar efforts are underway in the Senate to address provider reimbursement and new proposed bills may be introduced soon. Another focus was the federal government's initiatives to reduce drug prices, particularly the Inflation Reduction Act's impact on healthcare providers. The proposed cuts in reimbursements for Part B and Part D drugs raised significant concerns, particularly regarding the 6% add-on payment for Part B drug administration.
Under the Inflation Reduction Act, Medicare intends to decrease reimbursements for Part B and Part D drugs by a minimum of 35 percent, with no price floor; the Congressional Budget Office anticipates a 50 percent reduction. These cuts raised particular concerns for independent providers as their reimbursement is linked to the 6% add-on payment for Part B drug administration, potentially endangering patient access to essential therapies. LUGPA discussed a new bill with lawmakers designed to address these concerns. LUGPA discussed the "Protecting Patient Access to Complex Therapies Act" (S.2764) (H.R. 5391) with lawmakers, aimed at maintaining physician reimbursement at ASP+6% and facilitating cost-effective access to vital medications. Advocating for legislative reform to protect in-office dispensing was the third prominent issue. LUGPA voiced strong support for integrating pharmaceutical dispensing into physician practices, emphasizing the benefits in care coordination, patient compliance, and overall health outcomes. One additional bill, introduced right before our last fly-in in September, became another focal issue in October. This bipartisan bill addresses many of LUGPA's concerns and is the "Seniors’ Access to Critical Medications Act" (HR 5526). Introduced by Reps. Harshbarger and Wasserman-Shultz, this bill seeks to clarify the Stark law, allowing various delivery methods, and calls for revisions to CMS interpretations and the rescinding of FAQs that restrict medicine delivery. Promoting Independent Medicine Throughout the DC Fly-In, LUGPA engaged with policymakers on several other healthcare-related topics, including telehealth reimbursement parity, the prominent site of service reimbursement differential between hospital and independent providers, the extension of telehealth waivers beyond the public health emergency, and the challenges posed by healthcare consolidation and price increases. These efforts underscore LUGPA's dedication to advocating for policies that benefit independent medical practices and enhance patient care and access. In October, LUGPA members met with the following Members of Congress and their healthcare staff:
*Indicates Member Meeting
Your Participation Matters! We urge all LUGPA members to plan to attend next year's fly-ins, as your presence is crucial in advocating for healthcare reforms that impact independent medical practices and the patients we serve. We also encourage members of our advocacy donor groups to join us, as your support and insights are invaluable. Your presence and perspectives enrich our advocacy efforts. Together, we can continue to significantly impact healthcare reform and ensure that the voice of independent practices is heard. Join us in bringing about positive change in the healthcare landscape. Those interested in attending a fly-in with LUGPA in Washington, DC, or seeking more information can contact Matthew Glans at [email protected]. A Thank You From LUGPA With deep appreciation, the LUGPA Political Affairs Committee thanks the physicians and administrators of the following groups for their invaluable contributions to the October fly-in:
We also thank the LUGPA members who attended the October fly-in for their commitment to promoting LUGPA's mission and advocacy efforts. Your dedication is commendable.
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