AMGA recommended Congress support providers’ transition to value-based care by implementing a stable Medicare payment system and modernizing telehealth coverage policies. In a letter to congressional leadership, AMGA called on Congress to develop a more sustainable system that enables providers to continue to provide the highest quality care to their patients.
“AMGA is thankful for Congress’ efforts to ensure access to care by providing essential resources and regulatory stability throughout the COVID-19 public health emergency,” said AMGA President and CEO Jerry Penso, MD, MBA. “However, potential Medicare cuts, workforce shortages, historical inflation, and the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic are creating additional burdens on providers and patients. Congress has the opportunity to evaluate and improve the Medicare program to support providers in their efforts to offer the best possible care to their patients in a value-based delivery system.”
In the letter, AMGA recommends that Congress provide a pathway to value in Medicare by improving and incentivizing value-based models of care. These recommendations include extending the 5% Advanced Alternative Payment Model incentive payments, investing in infrastructure, incentivizing patient engagement, and promoting end-of-life care.
Regarding telehealth, AMGA urges Congress to acknowledge how the pandemic has altered care delivery and take the following actions: permanently waiving geographic limitations and originating site regulations; ensuring payment parity between in-office and telehealth services; continuing payment for audio-only services; and removing state licensing restrictions for telehealth services.
AMGA also recommended that Congress continue to support the Medicare Advantage program, promote health equity, ensure provider access to administrative claims data, and eliminate the coinsurance payment requirement for chronic care management.
The letter is available on AMGA’s website.