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MSMS Legislative Platform & Priorities
MSMS Legislative Priorities
Key priorities of the Michigan State Medical Society (MSMS) and its 15,000 physician and medical student members are as follows:
COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a devastating toll on the physical and mental health of Michigan citizens, as well as the economic health of our state. Additionally, many of Michigan’s medical practices are trying to regroup from financial and staffing losses and increased costs to comply with regulatory mandates. By using scientific data to help inform decision- making, MSMS is committed to working collaboratively with stakeholders to end the COVID-19 pandemic, safely re-engage all economic sectors, provide efficient and equitable vaccine distribution, and ensure practice sustainability.
Prior Authorization and Step Therapy Reform
The prior authorization process diverts valuable resources away from direct patient care, can delay the start or continuation of necessary treatment, and can negatively impact patient health outcomes. Step therapy, also known as fail first, is another practice that disrupts patient care by requiring patients to
try other therapies before being approved for the treatment that their doctor originally prescribed. MSMS will work closely with the Legislature, regulators, and other stakeholders on ways to reform prior authorization and step therapy processes to ensure transparency, remove unnecessary and costly care delays, and support shared decision-making.
Team-based Care
Patients are best served by a team-based approach to care that provides the maximum amount of choice while ensuring that they benefit from the additional training and expertise that comes from having a physician on the team. A highly functioning health care team is the best way to serve patients. MSMS will continue to promote the role of the physician as the leader of the health care team and oppose any efforts to expand allied health professionals scope of practice that may put patients at risk.
Telemedicine
Telemedicine has proven to be an effective care delivery method that ensures convenient and timely access to patients. Before the outbreak of COVID-19, insurers covered telemedicine visits to varying extents; however, there were often obstacles such as low reimbursement and restrictions on site of care. Although payers removed some of the regulatory and administrative barriers during the pandemic, these policies are now reverting to pre- pandemic times. Moving forward, payment and service parity for the use of clinically appropriate telemedicine services is critical.
Health Equity
Several events in 2020 brought to the forefront the
need to prioritize advocacy addressing systemic policies and other contributing factors that deny historically marginalized groups equal and just opportunities to maximize quality of life and health outcomes. In order to improve the health of all populations, MSMS will work to advance policies that reduce disparities and improve health equity.
Graduate Medical Education (GME)
Studies repeatedly demonstrate that one of the best ways to recruit and retain physicians is via local medical schools and residency programs. GME helps fill the gap in underserved areas by providing extremely low-cost care to those most in need. Michigan has been a leader in expanding medical school class sizes to address the projected demand for physician services, it is imperative that we continue to fund GME slots to allow these future physicians to learn here in Michigan, train here in Michigan, and stay here in Michigan.
For more information about MSMS legislative advocacy, please contact:
• Josiah Kissling, Senior Director, State and Federal Government Relations, at jkissling@msms.org • Scott Kempa, Manager, State and Federal Government Relations, at skempa@msms.org
• Kate Dorsey, Manager, State and Federal Government Relations, at kdorsey@msms.org
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Detroit Medical News
First Quarter 2022