AOA-PAC lays out agenda for next federal legislative session

SEATTLE – Despite a disappointing legislative setback that now allows cuts in Medicare physician payments, leaders of the American Optometric Association’s Political Action Committee say they are ready to continue fighting for pro-optometry initiatives in Congress.

They asked for continued monetary and grassroots support to keep the momentum going.

“We are positioning ourselves for the coming battle of health care reform,” Jon Hymes, AOA Washington office director, told PAC supporters here during a breakfast at Optometry’s Meeting.

House Resolution 6331, which was recently passed by the U.S. House of Representatives, included a provision that would postpone an impending reduction in Medicare reimbursement rates. Since Pres. George W. Bush was expected to veto the bill, it needed to pass the Senate by a veto-proof two-thirds majority.

“Unfortunately, we only got 58 out of the 60 votes that we needed to move forward,” said Brian Kristjansson, state director for U.S. Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.). “That legislation was our last chance to avoid a 10.6% reimbursement cut that will be imposed on doctors starting on July 1. Let me assure you that Sen. Patty will keep fighting to fix this problem when we come back into session in July.”

Mr. Hymes talked about four AOA-backed bills that need strong support from members, as listed on their Desktop Guide to Federal Advocacy handout.

Vision Care for Kids Act (HR 507/S 1117): This bill would authorize federal funding for state children’s vision initiatives. It has been approved by the House and is pending before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions.

Optometric Equity in Medicaid Act (HR 1983): This bill has strong opposition from the American Academy of Ophthalmology and American Medical Association because it would extend physician status to optometrists under the Medicaid program. Mr. Hymes said more House co-sponsors are needed to back the bill in order for it to become a priority to Congress.

National Health Service Corps Improvement Act (HR 1884): This bill would allow optometrists to be included in the National Health Service Corps student loan repayment and scholarship programs and federal incentives to attract medical care providers to underserved areas.

Contact Lens Consumer Health Protection Act (HR 2012): This bill would crack down on Internet contact lens sellers who partake in unscrupulous business practices. It is pending before the House Energy and Commerce Committee and needs more House co-sponsors to be seriously considered. Mr. Hymes said he is hopeful that the AOA-PAC can reach its goals as long as members join the grassroots campaign and give their time and money.

“We really are able to be heard if we speak with one voice,” he urged, adding that health care reform after the next president takes office is highly likely. “We want to position optometry to be a pro-patient access solution as this debate begins.”

The group also honored Norma Boyer, OD, of Charleston W.Va. As the Federal Keyperson of the Year and Steve Brownmiller, OD, of Dennison, Iowa, as AOA-PAC State Representative of the Year.