04/22/2020

AMA, OSMA, KMA, ISMA urge Congress to consider additional legislative steps amid COVID-19

As the rapidly evolving COVID-19 pandemic confronts the nation, the American Medical Association (AMA), leading physician organizations and state medical societies (including the Ohio State Medical Association, Kentucky Medical Association, and Indiana State Medical Association) sent a letter on April 15 urging congressional leaders to protect patient access to medical care by preserving the viability of physician practices across the country. Noting that the “Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act” (CARES Act) includes significant programs and resources that benefit physicians and patient care, the physician organizations urged additional federal support for physician practices that are financially battered by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The letter calls on lawmakers to consider supplemental measures, including: adjustment of Medicare and Medicaid payment provisions, telemedicine services coverage, expansion of small business loan funding, tuition relief for medical students contributing to patient care, and medical liability protections.