In April, the Medicare Payment Advisory Committee voted to recommend a change in the add-on payment for Part B drugs, including reducing payment for more expensive drugs. The ACR sent a letter to MedPAC expressing concerns about the significant impacts such policies would have on rheumatologists.
During a busy start to 2023, the ISC has been advocating with payers to address multiple coverage and reimbursement challenges facing rheumatology practices, including Cigna’s modifier 25 requirements, hydroxychloroquine access and coverage for apremilast combination therapy.
The ACR responded to a Senate Health Committee request for information with legislative strategies to support healthcare providers and expand the physician and care team pipeline.
In a letter to Congress, the ACR, AMA and other groups urge legislation that would provide annual inflation-based Medicare payment updates based on the full Medicare Economic Index.
Through the development of position statements that lay out the ACR’s official stance on issues related to the management of rheumatic and musculoskeletal conditions, the Committee on Rheumatologic Care helps outline policies that affect the practice of rheumatology and the wellbeing and care of patients.
With 2023 state legislative sessions underway, early prevailing themes may forecast areas where we will see gains this year. Key issues include utilization management, copay accumulator bans, white bagging and pharmacy benefit manager reform.
The U.S. government remains divided. Democrats hold the White House and the Senate by one vote, and Republicans lead the House. Amid this division, the ACR is watching possible areas to advance healthcare legislation. Meet the committees and members with the largest jurisdiction over healthcare policy.
In a joint letter, the ACR urges Congress to undergo comprehensive reform of the Medicare payment system and seek long-term payment solutions that will allow clinicians to continue to care for Medicare patients.
This month, the CMS will begin steps to develop a drug pricing negotiation process as allowed by the Inflation Reduction Act. The ACR plans to participate in public comment opportunities.
The ACR is grateful to all members who donated to RheumPAC during this year’s matching campaign, which raised over $27,000 from members and another $13,000 from volunteer leaders who made a pledge for each donor.