Federal Watch
February 24th, 2012
AGS is tracking developments of interest to geriatrics health professionals in order to provide weekly updates for our readers via our List Serv, americangeriatrics.org, our Facebook page, and our Twitter feed. This week, we update you on Congress’s final decision to approve a 10-month SGR fix, a new forum on aging and independence convened by the Institute of Medicine, and the Administration’s newly published plan to combat Alzheimer’s. We additionally remind you of our recent advocacy activities, and how you can take action by contacting your legislators, urging them to fully address and put an end to the flawed SGR formula.
Congress Approves 10-Month SGR Fix
Last Friday, both the Senate and House approved a bill that will sustain the reimbursement rate for doctors and other healthcare providers (advanced practice nurses and physician assistants) paid under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule. The bipartisan deal will delay the impending 27.4% cut, which was scheduled to take effect March 1, for 10 months through the remainder of 2012. The package will also extend the 2 percent payroll tax cut as well as jobless benefits through the end of the year. The price of the "doc fix" is near $18 billion and will be paid for by cutting other areas of the budget, including a $5 billion dollar reduction in the Prevention and Public Health Fund created by the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Although the recent deal provides a temporary patch to these cuts, AGS is deeply disappointed that lawmakers have missed an opportunity to permanently replace the flawed Medicare physician payment formula and protect access to care for our nation's frail older adults.
AGS to Participate in New Institute of Medicine (IOM) Forum on Aging
Today, AGS COO and DEVP Nancy Lundebjerg will participate in the new IOM Forum on Aging, Disability and Independence. The panel will discuss issues in relation to the aging boomer generation over the coming decades, and will examine the need to address challenges associated with aging and disability. With the ultimate goal to serve all individuals with respect to long-term supports and services preferences regardless of age or disability, the Forum will highlight capacities in which aging and disability network coordination is strong; examine the historic challenges faced by aligning the aging and disability networks; define the scope of the challenges; amongst many other topics of discussion. For more information, please visit here.
Administration Publishes Draft Plan for Alzheimer’s Research, Cure and Invites Public Comment
Earlier this week, an advisory council convened by the Obama administration released a draft version of its national plan to address Alzheimer’s disease. Experts put an emphasis on expanding and better coordinating disease research, especially through public-private partnerships. They also stressed better preparation for the health care workforce, improving public outreach and providing affected families with financial and other support. To achieve these goals, President Obama proposed as part of his fiscal year 2013 budget an additional $106 million in federal funds. The national plan reveals specifics about how the money would be spent. For example, they propose creating registries to better funnel Alzheimer’s patients into clinical trials, as well as establishing a national inventory of research investments. The draft national plan is open for public comment until March 30, and AGS plans to submit feedback. For more information, please visit here.
REMINDER Due March 9: NIA 2012 Summer Institute Now Accepting Applications for Introduction to Aging Research: The NIA 2012 Summer Institute, now in its 26th year, is soliciting applications for an intensive introduction to aging research. This workshop for investigators new to aging research is focused on current issues, research methodologies, and funding opportunities. The Summer Institute on Aging Research is one of the premier short-term training opportunities for new investigators. This is an invaluable introduction to the diverse fields of research in all fields of aging and geriatrics and affords students unparalleled access to NIA and NIH staff in an informal setting. The 2012 Summer Institute will be held July 7 – 13 in Maryland. Support is available for travel and living expenses. Please view more information on the NIA web site: 2012 NIA Summer Institute. A link to the online application is also provided on this web page.
What AGS Did This Week
AGS recently signed on to a letter circulated by the Council for Medical Specialty Societies (CMSS) to CMS regarding its proposed rule on the implementation of the Physician Payments Sunshine Act (PPSA). On behalf of 34 member organizations, including AGS, CMSS focused its comments on two critical elements of the proposed rule: (1) Direct Compensation for Serving as Faculty or as a Speaker for a Medical Education Programs, and (2) Transfers of Value Made Indirectly to a Covered Recipient through a Third Party in Cases when the Applicable Manufacturer is Unaware of the Identity of the Covered Recipient. Should you want additional information on this letter and our comments, please don’t hesitate to contact Alanna Goldstein, Assistant Director, Public Affairs and Advocacy, at agoldstein@americangeriatrics.org.
How You Can Help:
AGS encourages you to Take Action by visiting AGS’ Health in Aging Advocacy Center. Contact your members of Congress today, and urge them to call for both the repeal of the SGR and comprehensive Medicare payment and delivery reform. Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Susie Sherman, Coordinator of Public Affairs & Advocacy, ssherman@americangeriatrics.org.
Modified On: February 24th, 2012
