2013 Policy Forum

Washington, DC 2013 Policy Forum Made A Difference

The 2013 Policy Forum was a rousing success. Individuals from all aspects of the O&P profession gathered in DC to ensure the voice of O&P, with over 350 meetings with Members of Congress and their staff scheduled, was heard on Capitol Hill. These meetings, in 2012, played a vital role in ensuring that O&P was exempt from the 2.3% medical device tax. However, now is not the time to dwell on recent victories.

Congress is slated to have a series of deliberations in the upcoming weeks with the focus being on potential government spending cuts and other debt reduction measures, including expanding the scope of competitive bidding. These deliberations pose a risk to all Medicare O&P suppliers. RAC Audits were the hottest issue.

The compact two day format of the Policy Forum is created with your busy schedule in mind and we take care of the details. Participants were provided with the necessary materials, background and guidance to make their trip to Capitol Hill exciting and productive.

Beginning at 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 12th, members were provided with briefings from key congressional lawmakers, the AOPA lobbying team, and other experts about critical issues confronting the O&P profession, and how to use this information effectively in lobbying members of Congress. This year's Policy Forum subjects included:

Assuring annual Medicare fee updates without freezes or
Competitive Bidding
RAC, CERT, and Prepayment Audits
And much more!

The Policy Forum ended on Wednesday, March 13th with advocacy visits with elected representatives and their staffs. AOPA’s staff and lobbyists scheduled these meetings for attendees.

The low registration fee of $125 and a location close to Capitol Hill made it easy and convenient to participate. Join us in 2014 to make a difference for the entire profession and, visit the monuments, the museums and all the attractions our nation's capital has to offer - all just minutes from the hotel. We wish we could provide specific dates, but until Congress sets its calendar in early January each year, we can't specify the exact dates of the 2014 Policy Forum. Watch this page for updates.

Issue Paper on RAC Audit Problems Plus - View the letter to HHS Secretary Sebelius signed by 35 Members of Congress

Issue Paper - Medicare O&P Improvements Act

a. S.2125 (112th Congress Bill number) The Medicare O&P Improvements Act

b. H.R. 1958 (112th Congress Bill number) The Medicare O&P Improvements Act

Issue Paper - Support for Implementation of Insurance Fairness for Amputees Act

a. S. 773 (112th Congress Bill number) The Insurance Fairness of Amputees Act

b. H.R. 4175 (112th Congress Bill number) The Insurance Fairness for Amputees Act

Injured and Amputee Veterans Bill of Rights - NAAOP Issue Paper

a. H.R. 805 (112th Congress Bill number) The Injured and Amputee Veterans Bill of Rights

Issue Paper - Competitive Bidding

Issue Paper - Outcomes-Based Research/Evidence-Based Practice S. 521

Issue Paper - Orthotic and Prosthetic Education S. 522