AAO-HNS Legislative, Political, and Grassroots Update EMPOWERING PHYSICIANS TO DELIVER THE BEST PATIENT CARE

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1 AAO-HNS Legislative, Political, and Grassroots Update

2 2015 Top-Tier Federal Legislative Priorities Repeal of the Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) Physician Payment Formula March 31 deadline Future strategies Transition of 10- and 90-Day Global Codes Audiology Legislation Competing legislative initiatives AAO-HNS advocacy efforts

3 Repeal of SGR Formula Where We Were Bipartisan efforts throughout 2013/2014 to develop SGR repeal legislation. Combined legislation introduced in February Bills (H.R. 4015/S. 2000) passed by House and Senate Committees. Lawmakers failed to reach agreement on necessary offsets. In March 2014, Congress passed (via voice vote) a one-year SGR patch. Where We Are Nine legislative days until current patch expires. Surgical Coalition efforts. Can you sweeten a patch?

4 10- and 90-Day Global Payment Codes Policy put forth by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Transition all 10- and 90-day global payment codes to 0-day codes in 2017 and 2018, respectively. Broad ramifications for physicians and patients. Undermines pending Medicare physician payment reforms. Surgical Coalition Efforts Joint Hill meetings. Organization of Dear Colleague letter. Coalition letter.

5 Audiology Legislation 114 th Congress American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) Legislation designed to align Medicare coverage of comprehensive audiology services with current billing and reimbursement standards of other non-physician therapeutic services covered by Medicare (PT, OT, SLP). The bill specifically retains the requirement for a physician referral and physician oversight of plans of care. H.R reintroduced on February 26, AAO-HNS SUPPORTS. Academy of Doctors of Audiology (ADA) and the American Academy of Audiology (AAA) Jointly supporting 18 x 18 campaign an effort to pass legislation by 2018 that would amend Title XVIII of the Social Security Act to include audiologists in the definition of physician. This initiative would also include direct access without a physician referral. H.R in 113 th Congress. Not yet introduced in 114 th Congress. AAO-HNS STRONGLY OPPOSES. Where is Direct Access? It remains unclear whether a simple direct access bill will be introduced this Congress.

6 Other 2015 Federal Legislative Issues Truth-in-Advertising Reauthorization of Early Hearing Detection & Intervention (EHDI) Program Hearing Aid Dispenser/VA Legislation Repeal of the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB) Medical Liability Reform Funding for Graduate Medical Education

7 ENT PAC ENT PAC, the political action committee of the AAO-HNS, is a NON-PARTISAN, ISSUE-DRIVEN entity created to advance and protect the interests of the specialty on Capitol Hill.

8 ENT PAC in Action! So really what does ENT PAC do? Identify and support (via political contributions) pro-otolaryngology Members of Congress. ENT PAC is a tool to assist in educating Members of Congress (and their staffs) about the issues important to the specialty. Provides access and opportunity to build relationships. AAO-HNS attendance at fundraisers. And my money goes where? 100% of personal contributions are used to financially support prootolaryngology incumbents and candidates. Where can I find information about ENT PAC throughout the year? staff at entpac@entnet.org

9 Targeted Support from AAO-HNS Members SRF Advocacy Involvement Campaign Program to increase resident participation in various advocacy programs. Based on a simple point system. Earn points via: ENT PAC, Social Media, and ENT Advocacy Network Program Results: Highest Participation: UC Irvine, SUNY Downstate, Emory staff at cronayne@entnet.org.

10 Why Should I Support ENT PAC? Broad support is critical 8 percent of AAO-HNS members supported ENT PAC in percent of AAO-HNS members supported ENT PAC during the election cycle. 40 percent of BOG members supported ENT PAC in ENT PAC is only as strong as its Investors. Food for Thought? If every eligible AAO-HNS member made a contribution of at least $100, we could raise more than $1,000,000. If HALF of all AAO-HNS members made a contribution of $365 (dollar-aday), we would raise nearly $2,000,000.

11 Sign Me Up! There are multiple ways to contribute Online at sign in using your AAO-HNS ID and password (NOT your !) AUTOMATE TO ADVOCATE! Utilize the recurring (monthly) donation feature to set it, and forget it! In-person ENT PAC staff can swipe your credit card on-site. QR Code Card Paper Contribution Sheet *Contributions to ENT PAC are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes. Contributions are voluntary, and all members of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery have the right to refuse to contribute without reprisal. Federal law prohibits ENT PAC from accepting contributions from foreign nationals. By law, if your contributions are made using a personal check or credit card, ENT PAC may use your contribution only to support candidates in federal elections. All corporate contributions to ENT PAC will be used for educational and administrative fees of ENT PAC, and other activities permissible under federal law. Federal law requires ENT PAC to use its best efforts to collect and report the name, mailing address, occupation, and the name of the employer of individuals whose contributions exceed $200 in a calendar year.

12 STATE TRACKER UPDATE The Specialty s Boots on the Ground

13 State Trackers: The Basics Trackers receive daily bill reports with pre-determined search terms for their respective state. Not expected to read/analyze bills (unless desire to do so); summaries only. Suspect bills shared with Academy staff for review/potential action. Focus on bills directly impacting the specialty not bigger medicine. Conduct monthly conference calls. Great way to identify nationwide trends. Materials are available online at

14 State Trackers: Updates Currently have 106 State Trackers Still openings in Alaska, Idaho, Mississippi, Nevada, Oregon, South Dakota, and Wyoming. Established a community on ENTConnect Another avenue to help foster communication between Trackers! Created a database of otolaryngologists serving on statelevel licensing and dispensing boards. In progress: Connecting the Dots

15 I-GO Update

16 In-District Grassroots Outreach (I-GO) Program What is the I-GO Program? Program dedicated to finding opportunities for AAO-HNS members to meet LOCALLY with candidates and elected officials. Primary focus - identify events near your home/practice.

17 In-District Grassroots Outreach (I-GO) Program When Do These Events Take Place? Scheduled around recesses/district work periods: Presidents Day Easter/Spring Recess Memorial Day Fourth of July August Recess Columbus Day And many more! You will be contacted as a Congressional recess approaches!

18 In-District Grassroots Outreach (I-GO) Program Nearly 35 events since the program s launch! Practice visits Political fundraisers Meetings in local Congressional offices New online form available. Prep materials provided. LIMITED TRAVEL NECESSARY!

19 Stay Informed!! Social Media Forums Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn ENT Advocacy Network FREE Member Benefit The ENT Advocate Bi-Monthly e-newsletter Time-Sensitive Legislative Action Alerts Legislative & Political Affairs Webpage

20 BOG Legislative Affairs Taskforces Taskforce Members

21 BOG Legislative Affairs Taskforces ENT PAC Taskforce Goal Identify methods/messaging to encourage new PAC investors. New Tools Taskforce Discussion Items QR Codes, Automate to Advocate Peer-to-Peer Outreach Hosting a competition between states/regions Appointing PAC Representatives in states/regions Promoting the PAC at state society meetings Highlighting ENT PAC successes Your ENT PAC Dollars at Work!

22 BOG Legislative Affairs Taskforces Grassroots Taskforce Goal Identify ways to engage members in legislative grassroots programs. Taskforce Discussion Items Peer-to-Peer Outreach Recruit colleagues to participate in an I-GO event Volunteer to promote Academy advocacy opportunities at your next state society meeting Social Media Follow the Government Affairs Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook accounts Recruit colleagues to follow the Academy on Social Media Post comments/ideas to encourage discussion