Fighting for Equity and Access By Albert L. Brooks, MD, ACCMA President
O
n January 11th, the ACCMA kicked off 2024 with a joint orientation meeting for the ACCMA Council (which is the ACCMA’s board of directors) and the ACCMA (District IX) Delegation to the CMA House of Delegates. We had the privilege of welcoming the CMA President, Dr. Tanya W. Spirtos, as our guest speaker, who shared that CMA’s overarching priority for the coming year is achieving health equity and greater access to care. Central to that effort is a ballot initiative CMA, ACCMA and other healthcare organizations are putting on the 2024 ballot. Thanks to CMA and ACCMA advocacy, a new law was enacted this year that utilizes a Managed Care Organization (MCO) Tax to leverage $19.4 billion in Federal funds between April 2023 and December 2026 to substantially increase Medi-Cal reimbursement rates. In 2024, rates have increased for primary care, obstetrics, and non-specialty behavioral health. The 2024 ballot initiative will keep this momentum going to make this investment in Medi-Cal provider rates permanent. The fight for increased Medi-Cal funding will ensure that patients most in need receive access to the quality
care they deserve. Other priorities for 2024 include stopping Medicare cuts, implementing long-term Medicare payment reforms, strengthening the physician workforce, protecting against the corporatization of medicine, addressing healthcare affordability, reducing administrative burdens on physicians, and responding to egregious scope expansion efforts. These thorny issues require a sustained effort and remain at the forefront of our focus. The most important step you can take in support of these efforts is to continue your ACCMA and CMA membership. Your membership dues ensure that we have the resources necessary to wage these battles on behalf of you and your patients. For those who want to get more directly involved, there are many ways you can help. Please keep a close eye on your inbox for advocacy alerts throughout the year that require urgent action. Your voice and personal anecdotes provide valuable insight to legislators as they make decisions that impact your patients and the practice of medicine. We will also be hosting local meetings with elected officials, attending CMA Legislative Day in Sacramento, interviewing candidates who are running for office, and more. To get more involved, visit www. accma.org/getinvolved.
STOP MEDICARE CUTS
Congress failed to include a fix to Medicare payment cuts in its most recent federal government funding package, which provides funding for the federal government through March. The following bills present an opportunity to stop these cuts when the funding package expires. H.R. 6383 would stop the 3.37% Medicare payment cut that took effect on Jan. 1, and H.R. 2474 would provide an annual inflation update. The fight continues to help restore the major goal of the Medicare program: providing timely, quality medical care to our patients. miec_2023_ACCMA_bulletin_backcover_small.pdf 1 9/18/23 4:24 PM
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PRIOR AUTHORIZATION REFORM
CMS recently finalized comprehensive prior authorization reform regulations. The final rule requires electronic prior authorization processes, shortens the time frames to respond to prior authorization requests, requires the public reporting of certain prior authorization metrics and establishes policies to make the prior authorization process more efficient and transparent. The rule will require impacted payors to send prior authorization decisions within 72 hours for urgent requests and seven calendar days for standard requests. Visit our website for more detailed information.
MAKING THE MCO TAX PERMANENT
The Coalition to Protect Access to Care is supporting a proposed ballot measure to permanently use dedicated tax dollars to support Medi-Cal providers. These tax dollars will bring more federal funds back to California and improve access to critical health care services. Visit accesstohealthcare.com or our website to support the ballot measure today!
NEW HEALTH LAWS
Visit our website for CMA’s yearly overview of new 2024 laws that will impact physician practices. Many of these new laws focus on reproductive health, Medi-Cal, and professional licensing issues.
LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY DAY
Reserve your spot for the CMA’s 50th Legislative Advocacy Day on April 10 in Sacramento! Visit our website to register now to receive hands-on experience and learn the essentials of advocating for your patients and profession. Join CMA’s March 26 webinar to hear about what bills will be the focus of Legislative Day efforts.
TREATING SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER
Finding treatment for your patients struggling with substance use disorder: Explore Treatment Atlas, a robust treatment locator that allows you to explore options based on your patients’ needs. Visit our website for more information. Need general support? Call the National Clinic Consultation Center at (844) 326-2626 for free guidance on managing or initiating treatment for patients with SUD.
INFECTION PREVENTION WEBINAR
The ACCMA and American Medical Association present a new on-demand program on infection prevention strategies in a post hospital care environment, featuring experts on healthcare epidemiology, anti-biotic stewardship, and strategic communications. This program is available for free to both ACCMA members and non-members. Access the program by scanning the QR code below.
MEDI-CAL PROVIDER RATE INCREASES
As of January 1, primary care, obstetric, and non-specialty mental health services Medi-Cal providers are receiving targeted provider rate increases, thanks to the MCO Tax. These rate increases will apply to eligible providers in the Fee-For-Service delivery system, as well as eligible network providers contracted with MediCal managed care plans. Read more from DHCS on our website.
PROPOSITION 1
Supporting Proposition 1: Prop. 1 will appear on the March 2024 ballot and aims to expand mental health/addiction services for Californians. Prop. 1 would expand (re-named) Behavioral Health Servies Act funds to include substance use disorder conditions. Prop. 1 would also finance new treatment beds and create permanent housing for veterans and individuals with severe behavioral health challenges experiencing homelessness.
HUMAN TRAFFICKING NOTICES
Effective January 1, facilities that provide pediatric care have been added to the list of establishments that must post a prescribed notice containing information about human trafficking. Visit our website to learn more about the requirements for posting this notice.
UPCOMING SOCIAL GATHERINGS
The ACCMA will host several social events across the East Bay this year for members to connect and unwind. Save the dates for Bowling & Bites at Pinole Valley Lanes on Thursday, March 28th and Thursday Night Lounge at Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar in Concord on Thursday, April 4th!
PROPOSED BUDGET INVESTS IN MEDI-CAL
Governor Newsom’s proposed budget acknowledges that sustained investments in our health care infrastructure, particularly in the Medi-Cal program, are essential for establishing an equitable health care system and a healthier future for all Californians. CMA commends Governor Newsom for safeguarding critical health care investments that prioritize patient care, bolster the health care workforce and ensure meaningful access to quality health care for all Californians.
To find more information or to view full articles on any of these topics, scan the QR code, visit accma.org/Bulletin, or contact us at accma@accma.org or (510) 654-5383.
ALAMEDA-CONTRA COSTA MEDICAL ASSOCIATION BULLETIN
Dr. Myngoc Nguyen, accompanied by her family, exploring the gardens and galleries at the ACCMA outing to the Oakland Museum of California on Saturday, January 27.
2024 ELECTION CANDIDATES
On January 20th, ACCMA members hosted candidate interviews for open seat races of the 2024 election. Candidates shared their background and major areas of focus, and ACCMA members shared their perspective on health care issues affecting the East Bay and the state. Please scan the QR code below or visit accma. org/Bulletin to view a summary for each candidate.
ADVOCACY TRAINING
Learn the art of effective advocacy, the importance of building relationships with legislators, and the impact your voice can have on healthcare policy. Join us for Leadership in Action: Influencing Policy Through Effective Advocacy on Saturday, March 2 from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm, featuring physician and legislator guest speakers. Register online or give us a call to sign up today.
LOAN FORGIVENESS UPDATE
The U.S. Department of Education has extended the deadline for borrowers to consolidate loans for Income-Driven Repayment account adjustments from December 31, 2023, to April 30, 2024. Visit our website for more information.
WELLNESS RESOURCES
James Hanson, MD speaks with Assembly District 15 candidate and Antioch Councilmember, Monica Wilson, at ACCMA's Candidate Interview Day.
VOT-ER
Physicians can encourage voter participation by using Vot-ER, which provides nonpartisan tools for integrating civic engagement into your practice. Visit vot-er.org to create your Vot-ER badge which allows patients to scan and access a nonpartisan, self-service voting platform.
CALAIM: WHAT TO EXPECT
As part of the CalAIM initiative, as of January 1, Alameda Alliance and Contra Costa Health Plan have absorbed patients receiving care management services from Anthem. Contact Alameda Alliance & Contra Costa Health Plan with any questions. Visit our website for a summary of changes to expect with CalAIM.
JOIN OUR CULTURE OF CARE
The ACCMA offers support for physician members through sponsored psychotherapy and confidential peer support from fellow physicians. Both physicians and residents can take advantage of these resources at no cost. Visit accma.org/wellness to learn more.
MINI GRANT APPLICATIONS OPEN
Are you interested in organizing a social event for physician members? The ACCMA is offering mini grants of up to $500 to help fun self-organized events and activities that would be open to all ACCMA members. Contact us or visit our website to submit an application today.
RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP
Please renew your ACCMA/CMA Full Regular Membership Dues online at www.cmadocs.org/renew before March 1 to avoid being dropped. Please contact Christine Maki at cmaki@accma.org if you did not receive an invoice for 2024.
ADVERTISING WITH ACCMA
Did you know that members can post classified ads online free of charge for 2 months? Take advantage of this benefit by contacting the ACCMA. Check out the current ads online now.
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The 7th cohort of the Physician Leadership Program kicked off on January 20, welcoming 33 physician leaders from across the Bay Area.
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ACCMA UPCOMING EVENTS
EMPOWERING PHYSICIANS: NAVIGATING ABORTION ACCESS 2/28 at 6:30 pm | Virtual
LEADERSHIP IN ACTION: ADVOCACY TRAINING 3/2 at 8:30 am | Lafayette
BOWLING & BITES
3/28 | Pinole Valley Lanes
THURSDAY NIGHT LOUNGE AT LAZY DOG 4/4 | Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar, Concord
CMA LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY DAY 4/10 All Day | Sacramento
PRACTICE MANAGEMENT SERIES: • BUILDING A PRACTICE 5/7 at 6 pm | Virtual
• DEVELOPING A BUSINESS PLAN 5/14 at 6 pm | Virtual • READING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 5/21 at 6 pm | Virtual • PROJECT MANAGEMENT 5/28 at 6 pm | Virtual
Top photo: ACCMA members and staff attend a fundraiser for Assemblymember Alex Lee. Bottom photo: ACCMA members and their families arriving at the Oakland Museum of California.