House passes MGMA-supported prior authorization legislation

Yesterday, the House of Representatives passed the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act (H.R. 3173/S. 3018). This MGMA-supported bill is a step forward in reforming prior authorization practices within the Medicare Advantage (MA) program. In part, the legislation would increase transparency around MA prior authorization, establish an electronic prior authorization program, and streamline the prior authorization process for routinely approved items and services.

Keep the momentum going by contacting your senators and urging the swift passage of S. 3018. Medical practices can use MGMA’s Contact Congress portal to send letters today!

MGMA sends year-end legislative priorities to Congress

On Monday, MGMA sent a letter to congressional leadership outlining the legislative priorities that we would like addressed before the end of the year. Before 2023, MGMA urges Congress to mitigate cuts to Medicare reimbursement slated to take effect on January 1, extend telehealth flexibilities, reform prior authorization practices, and support value-based care.

Congress has since taken steps to address the Medicare cuts — the House of Representatives introduced the Supporting Medicare Providers Act of 2022 on Tuesday, which would avert almost 4.5% of the projected 8.5% cuts. MGMA supports this legislation, but calls on Congress to fully avert cuts to Medicare stemming from the 4% statutory Pay-As-You-Go (PAYGO) sequester and provide an inflationary updated based on the Medicare Economic Index. 

MGMA Government Affairs at MPE: Leaders Conference

MGMA’s annual Medical Practice Excellence (MPE): Leaders Conference is less than a month away. Register now to join us in Boston and attend one of our "Washington Update" sessions, during which the Government Affairs team will share insights on current federal policy developments impacting medical practice operations. We'll delve into upcoming Medicare payment and quality rules, the status of surprise billing and transparency requirements, information blocking, and other key regulatory changes to come in 2023.

Mark your calendars today for either of the below sessions and be sure to compare prepared with your questions!

• Monday, Oct. 10 at 9:15 - 10:15 a.m. ET
• Tuesday, Oct. 11 at 2:45 - 3:45 p.m. ET