AAOS Advocacy in Action

Applications Open for State Orthopaedic Society Health Policy Action Fund

With most state legislatures now in full swing, the AAOS Board of Councilors (BOC) Committee on State Legislative & Regulatory Issues is currently accepting grant applications to support strategic state advocacy priorities. From prior authorization and certificate of need (CON) to scope of practice and medical liability, state laws and regulations have a significant impact on musculoskeletal care. The AAOS established the State Orthopaedic Society Health Policy Action Fund to assist state organizations in responding to various legal, legislative and regulatory issues affecting the practice of orthopaedics. In recent years, grants have supported states working to advance CON repeal efforts, medical liability reform and in responding to scope of practice expansion efforts by non-physicians. Notably, in 2020, a grant backed the successful passage of legislation reforming prior authorization requirements in Minnesota. Connect with AAOS’ state advocacy team… 

Healthcare Policy News

Interim and Incoming Health Officials Announced

The Biden Administration recently announced several temporary policy appointments to oversee the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) until the permanent leads have been confirmed. Norris Cochran, who previously served as deputy assistant secretary for budget at HHS, will serve as acting HHS Secretary as the new administration awaits Senate confirmation of Xavier Becerra. For CMS, Liz Richter will serve as acting administrator and Jeff Wu will serve as the principal deputy administrator—Chiquita Brooks-LaSure has emerged as the leading candidate to be the next administrator. The Biden Administration has not yet nominated a permanent commissioner for the FDA, but named Janet Woodcock as interim commissioner who brings experience from her involvement with Operation Warp Speed. Lastly, Rear Admiral Susan Orsega has been named the acting U.S. Surgeon General until Dr. Vivek Murthy receives confirmation and assumes the role he previously held under the Obama Administration. Read more about the healthcare picks…

Democrats Look to Budget Reconciliation for Passing COVID-19 Relief Package

Congressional Democrats are continuing to try and pass a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package through budget reconciliation. The process, which was used by Republicans to pass a $1.9 trillion tax cut in 2017, requires only a simple Senate majority and could mean that the legislation is passed into law without a single Republican vote. The relief plan would provide additional stimulus checks, funding for vaccine distribution, and money for schools to reopen among other things. Congressional Republicans oppose the cost and size of the package and articulated their concerns to the president in a meeting earlier this week. The alternative relief package they are proposing would cost roughly $600 billion and would not contain some of the more progressive aspects such as a $15 minimum wage. While the two parties continue to disagree on both the procedure and approach to additional COVID-19 relief, President Biden has repeatedly emphasized that Congress should pass legislation before existing benefits expire in March. Read more about the stimulus plan…

2020 Orthopaedic PAC State Participation Challenge

The AAOS Orthopaedic PAC (OrthoPAC) would like to recognize the 13 states that met or exceeded the 20% participation threshold in 2020. They include Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut (with 100% participation), Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Oklahoma, and South Dakota, as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Want to help your state “PAC out the map” in 2021? Become a Rainmaker and help your state cross the 20% OrthoPAC participation threshold. Strong involvement by AAOS members means that it has a strong voice to represent them on Capitol Hill. Contact the AAOS political team to learn more… 

·        2021 MPFS: What It Means for Your THA and TKA Reimbursement (AAOS Now, January)

·        AAOS Develops Landmark Resource Outlining the Value-based Care Landscape (AAOS Now, January)

·        Virus aid package tests whether Biden, Congress can deliver (Modern Healthcare, 1/28)

·        4 key trends for payers and providers in 2021 (Healthcare Dive, 1/22)