FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, March 11, 2022
Statement attributable to:
Sterling N. Ransone, Jr., MD, FAAFP
President
American Academy of Family Physicians
“The American Academy of Family Physicians is supportive of several provisions in the fiscal year 2022 omnibus spending package, which preserves access to telehealth, extends Medicaid funding for U.S. territories, supports maternal and behavioral health, and makes critical investments in public health.
“Telehealth has been a lifeline for physicians and their patients throughout the pandemic, and the benefits should be preserved. That’s why we urged Congress to continue Medicare telehealth flexibilities beyond the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE). The omnibus legislation ensures that Medicare patients can continue receiving virtual care at home and that federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics can continue providing telehealth services for five months after the PHE ends. It also temporarily eliminates barriers to Medicare tele-mental health services.
“These short-term policies provide predictability to patients and physician practices while Congress considers longer-term legislation. The AAFP continues to advocate for thoughtful permanent telehealth policies that promote equitable access to care, enhance the physician-patient relationship, and protect patient safety.
“The Academy is also encouraged that the package included a short-term extension of enhanced Medicaid funding for U.S. territories. We have long advocated for adequate and equitable Medicaid funding in U.S. territories to help grow their physician workforce and improve health equity. We look forward to working with Congress to find a permanent solution.
“We’re also pleased with the inclusion of the Maternal Health Quality Improvement Act and the Rural MOMS Act, which will make significant investments to address racial disparities in maternal health outcomes, improve access to maternal health care services and invest in robust data collection.
“Lastly, we are supportive of the increased funding to improve our nation’s public health infrastructure, modernize data surveillance, and strengthen the public health workforce. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of a strong public health system to protect the health of our communities.
“The AAFP looks forward to continuing to work with Congress to ensure we have a robust primary care system to meet the needs of our growing and aging population, and that public health is at the forefront of the national dialogue.”
Editor's Note: To arrange an interview with Dr. Ransone, contact Julie Hirschhorn, 202-655-4949, or jhirschhorn@aafp.org.
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About the American Academy of Family Physicians
The AAFP is the largest national association of family physicians, representing 128,300 physicians and medical students. Family medicine’s cornerstone is an ongoing, personal patient-physician relationship focused on impactful care for people of all ages, races and genders across all medical conditions. The AAFP supports every stage of a family physician's career and provides evidence-based resources, advocacy and community to empower family medicine. To learn more, visit aafp.org. For information about health care, medical conditions and wellness, please visit the AAFP’s patient education website, familydoctor.org.