The AOA continues its efforts to provide DOs and the osteopathic medical profession with a voice in legislative matters. Here are some of the profession’s latest advocacy victories.
Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act
Before leaving town last week, Congress provided initial funding for the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA). The AOA has been a leading advocate for the passage and funding of CARA.
The AOA led a coalition of 77 provider groups in applauding CARA’s passage and urging Congress to adequately fund access to treatment for all who seek it.
Alabama Medicaid
The Alabama Medicaid Agency reinstated the Medicaid primary care bonus for providers to the levels they were before cuts were made. A shortfall in the state’s Medicaid budget was the cause of the reduction.
To qualify for the reinstated bonus, physicians need to meet certain requirements such as having a specialty or subspecialty designation in family medicine, general internal medicine or pediatrics. The initial law did not include AOA board certification, but the AOA worked to get it added in the rules.