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04/16/2020

OSMA Advocates for Policy Changes at the Federal & State Levels


In response to COVID-19, numerous federal and state policy decisions and announcements continue to impact the work of physicians and medical practices. 
We want you to know OSMA is advocating on behalf of our members and all Ohio physicians to ensure these policy decisions are made in your best interest.

Below are updates on how we are working
for you on major policy actions this week:


 

OSMA Joins with the AMA and Other States in Letter to Congress Recommending Phase 4 Relief for Doctors

Yesterday, OSMA joined with the AMA and numerous other medical societies in a letter to congress outlining several major policy requests that physicians need addressed in the Phase 4 legislative package. Specifically, we are asking Congress to address the following policy issues:

  • Extend payment deadlines, reduce interest fees and address other administrative issues with the Medicare Accelerated Payment Program

  • Increase Medicaid rates to Medicare fee-for-service rates during the crisis

  • Revise E/M rate changes scheduled for 2021

  • Create additional financial relief funding for practices in addition to those already provided

  • Increase Small Business Loan threshold to include businesses with more than 500 employees

  • Require ERISA health plans to cover telehealth at similar levels as Medicare

  • Targeted and increased support for medical students and residents

  • Expansion and clarity in EMTALA and other liability provisions

We will be working with Ohio’s congressional delegation to push for these changes to be implemented and will keep you updated as congress debates and finalizes the phase 4 package.


 

Governor DeWine Announces Work on the Plan for Healthcare Industry Phase-in

Yesterday, Governor DeWine announced he is working with the healthcare industry in the coming days to:

“...begin developing a plan to resume treating patients whose non-COVID-19 elective procedures were delayed or deferred due to the ongoing pandemic.” 

OSMA will be working with other healthcare associations and leaders to provide recommendations to the governor on building out this plan. We are hopeful that the governor and Dr. Acton will announce a plan for a pathway forward soon. We will be sure to keep you updated on progress and details on the final plan.

OSMA.org/Membership


As you know, Ohio State Medical Association (OSMA) is committed to keeping Ohio physicians informed on state and federal updates related to COVID-19, especially how they impact Ohio’s medical practices and healthcare professionals.

If you have questions about this information
or OSMA’s services to physicians:

Call 800-766-6762 or email OSMA.

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