The Washington State Medical Association’s (WSMA) top priority this legislative session is to secure an increase in Medicaid reimbursement rates for professional healthcare services. The WSMA is requesting that legislators improve access to care for Washingtonians enrolled in Medicaid by supporting an increase in Medicaid reimbursement rates for services delivered by physicians, physician … Read more
A recent report titled “Economic Contributions of Florida Hospitals and Affiliated Healthcare Businesses in 2021” shows how the state’s hospitals have become a vital aspect of the state’s economy. The authors of the report concluded that Florida hospitals are stable and consistent employers in the state, and that contributions continue to grow. The report, released … Read more
A bill that would provide tax exemptions for medical services provided to low-income Hawaiians garnered some support during a public hearing on Friday. The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services approved Senate Bill 1035 unanimously during the meeting. The bill would exempt medical services provided by healthcare providers to patients who receive … Read more
In an October 31st letter to Congress, the California Medical Association (CMA) detailed its recommendations to stabilize the Medicare payment system in response to a congressional request for stakeholder input. These recommendations include stopping payment cuts and implementing an annual inflation update, reducing incentives that have driven provider consolidation and increased healthcare costs, … Read more
The California Legislature unanimously passed an important California Medical Association (CMA) sponsored bill (AB 1636) that will ensure physicians who have committed sexual misconduct with a patient or client are prohibited from acquiring or reinstating their license. The bill—authored by Assemblymember Akilah Weber, M.D., (D-La Mesa) and co-authored by Assemblymember Al Murasuchi (D-Torrance) and Senator Melissa Hurtado … Read more
A bill that would significantly reduce administrative burdens in physician practices may be close to passing the Assembly. Senate Bill 250, sponsored by Sen. Richard Pan (D–Sacramento) and Scott Wiener (D–San Francisco), would prohibit a health plan or insurer from requiring a health professional to obtain a prior authorization for any health care … Read more
The Washington State Medical Association (WSMA) recently launched its Latinx Advisory Council to provide a forum for Latinx physicians and their assistants to support each other. The forum serves as a platform for Latinx professionals to develop advocacy strategies and recruit additional Latinx physicians. Katina Rue, DO, is co-Chair of the WSMA’s Diversity, Equity, and … Read more
As the Vice President for Health Care Access and Coverage at the California Medical Association, Janice Rocco says she’s primarily concerned with getting physician practices back up on their feet. Many physician practices in the state continue to grapple with both staffing shortages and an increase in patient volume resulting from deferred care … Read more
Alaska lawmakers debated whether health care patients should be required to have an in-person visit with a provider prior to receiving telehealth services during a meeting on Thursday. Senate Health & Social Services Committee members discussed a proposed amendment to Senate Bill 175, which would address medical assistance coverage for telehealth services, during … Read more