AMGA Recommends Value-Based Care Support and Reform to Congress
In comments to the Senate Finance Committee leadership, AMGA today urged Congress to reform the Medicare Part B payment system by implementing a stable payment system to better engage patients and support providers' transition to value-based care.
Alexandria, VA - In comments to the Senate Finance Committee leadership, AMGA today urged Congress to reform the Medicare Part B payment system by implementing a stable payment system to better engage patients and support providers' transition to value-based care. Lessons learned from the implementation of the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA) must be addressed to fully realize policymakers' vision of a value-based delivery system.
In response to the Committee’s questions in its recently issued white paper on physician payment reform, Current Challenges and Policy Options in Medicare Part B, AMGA emphasized the need for a predictable and sustainable reimbursement system. Specifically, AMGA recommends that Congress not exclude so many providers as they did in the Merit-based Incentive Payment System in a future system. Also, the incentives in the Advanced Alternative Payment Model program need to continue to ensure continued participation in these programs.
“AMGA members need Congress to provide predictable and stable payments so we can continue to invest in the infrastructure that provides the highest quality patient care,” said AMGA President and CEO Jerry Penso, MD, MBA. “Policymakers have an opportunity to evaluate and improve Medicare Part B, and we pledge to work with legislators to ensure Medicare supports providers’ ability to offer the best possible care to their patients in a value-based delivery system.”
AMGA also offered recommendations on key aspects of the future of value-based care. For example, Congress should eliminate the cost-sharing requirements from Medicare’s Chronic Care Management services. In addition, Medicare should support patients’ ability to engage in their care by offering incentives that will reward their efforts to improve health outcomes. AMGA also recommended eliminating specific rules that contribute to the daily administrative burden that providers face, but do not improve patient care. Finally, AMGA recommended Congress ensure that Medicare permanently extends the telehealth flexibilities and waivers currently in place.
“We are grateful for the Senate Finance Committee’s leadership on these critical issues. We will continue to work with policymakers to improve access and quality of care for millions of senior citizens,” Penso added.
The response letter is available on the AMGA website.
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About AMGA
AMGA is a trade association leading the transformation of healthcare in America. Representing multispecialty medical groups and integrated systems of care, we advocate, educate, innovate, and empower our members to deliver the next level of high performance health. AMGA is the national voice promoting awareness of our members’ recognized excellence in the delivery of coordinated, high-quality, high-value care. More than 175,000 physicians practice in our member organizations, delivering care to one in three Americans.
AMGA represents medical groups and integrated systems of care. Its diverse membership includes multispecialty medical groups, integrated delivery systems, accountable care organizations, and other entities committed to improving healthcare outcomes. AMGA advocates for the formation of innovative, clinically integrated systems of care that advance population health, enhance patient experience, and reduce healthcare costs. For more information, please visit www.amga.org.