Recap of LUGPA's March DC Fly-InIn March 2024, LUGPA hosted our first DC Fly-In of 2024, with a group of LUGPA members converging in Washington, DC, to advocate for critical healthcare reforms outlined in the 2024 Legislative and Regulatory Agenda. Here's an overview of the key issues discussed:
1. Sustainable Physician Reimbursement and MACRA Reform: During our discussions with lawmakers, LUGPA emphasized the necessity of tying Medicare reimbursement to increasing practice costs (MEI) to address ongoing challenges independent practices face. The current system, characterized by continued Medicare payment cuts, poses threats such as exacerbating physician shortages and incentivizing practice acquisitions by hospital systems. Our members also underscored the need for fundamental reforms within MACRA to alleviate excessive paperwork burdens while enhancing its effectiveness.
2. Advancing the Seniors Access to Critical Medications Act (HR 5526/S. 3458): LUGPA also advocated for HR 5526/S. 3458, aiming to restore physician practices' ability to deliver Part D drugs to Medicare patients' homes. This legislation is crucial for ensuring patients' access to specialized care, education, affordability, and comprehensive care coordination. We highlighted the pivotal role of nurse navigators and in-office staff in assisting patients with medication management and overcoming logistical barriers.
3. Building Support for the Protecting Patient Access to Cancer and Complex Therapies Act (HR 5391/S. 2764): LUGPA emphasized the importance of preserving physician reimbursement at ASP+6% for Part B drugs subject to Secretary negotiation. The proposed Protecting Patient Access to Complex Therapies Act (HR 5391/S. 2764) seeks to address potential reimbursement cuts by replacing them with rebates from pharmaceutical manufacturers to CMS. This initiative aims to balance cost control with ensuring patients' access to life-saving treatments.
Amidst the ongoing negotiations in Congress surrounding a critical $1.2 trillion spending package vital for key government agencies, members of LUGPA convened for a highly productive fly-in and participated in twenty-one impactful meetings. Throughout these sessions, our members expressed gratitude for the congressional support garnered, particularly applauding recent adjustments to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS). However, they underscored the need for further reforming Medicare reimbursement to sustain our independent practices and continue providing care to thousands of patients annually. In addition to our main agenda items, we delved into ensuring continuity of care and exploring ways to improve Graduate Medical Education (GME). Additionally, our members pushed for essential changes to the laws overseeing pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). It's encouraging that some lawmakers showed openness to supporting these efforts. We also discussed other important topics, like diving deeper into the effects of restrictions on in-office medicine dispensing (IOD) and our overall goal of boosting the quality of care provided by independent providers. Some lawmakers expressed concerns about procedures moving from doctors' offices to more expensive hospitals, along with the growing challenges of not having enough healthcare workers, accessing care, and the need for reforms like prior authorization. We also talked about the shrinking availability of healthcare in rural areas. Several lawmakers or their staff demonstrated robust interest in the bills we championed, namely HR 5391 and HR 5526, and expressed support for halting or delaying cuts in healthcare funding. Looking ahead, members of Congress anticipate addressing various healthcare policy topics, including cybersecurity, advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the expansion of telehealth services. An upcoming meeting with the Senate Finance Committee on April 11 also holds promise for a comprehensive review of payment reform, with a bipartisan working group actively seeking solutions to tackle urgent healthcare challenges. These efforts underscore LUGPA's dedication to advocating for policies that benefit independent medical practices and enhance patient care and access. Collaboration with members of Congress continues to address these pressing issues and bring positive change to the healthcare system. In March, LUGPA members met with the following Members of Congress and their healthcare staff: In-Person Meetings
Staff Meetings
Your Participation Matters! We urge all LUGPA members to plan to attend our 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]. With the utmost gratitude, the LUGPA Political Affairs committee wants to thank the physicians and administrators of the following groups whose efforts made the March fly-in possible:
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