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 American Academy of Family Physicians
Founded in 1947, the AAFP represents 130,000 physicians and medical students nationwide. It is the largest medical society devoted solely to primary care. Family physicians conduct approximately one in five office visits — that’s 192 million visits annually or 48 percent more than the next most visited medical specialty. Today, family physicians provide more care for America’s underserved and rural populations than any other medical specialty. Family medicine’s cornerstone is an ongoing, personal patient-physician relationship focused on integrated care. To learn more about the specialty of family medicine and the AAFP's positions on issues and clinical care, visit www.aafp.org. For information about health care, health conditions and wellness, please visit the AAFP’s consumer website, www.familydoctor.org.