The MMS has a robust advocacy strategy to address this unfolding crisis, working with state and local leaders, Congress, the Administration, trade associations, and coalition partners to advocate, for example, for financial support for physician practices,
access to personal protective equipment, and critical liability protections. Through direct lobbying, drafting model legislative text, joint letters with state and national associations, and grassroots advocacy by our members, the MMS continues to
advocate to support physicians and create an optimal environment for the best clinical response to the COVID-19 crisis.
Resources
This resource summarizes the various wind down timelines for numerous legislative and regulatory flexibilities that were put in place to ease burdens of medical practice posed by COVID-19. Many of these flexibilities were tied to the Public Health Emergency declarations, which are set to expire on May 11, and will be rescinded once those declarations come to an end.
Congress has passed a $1.9T COVID-19 relief package, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. The package includes several provisions important to physicians and aligned with MMS advocacy efforts.
On December 20, 2020, Congress came to a compromise on a year-end legislative package. Listed here are details on what we expect to see.
Learn more about MMS’ advocacy role in new physician liability protections passed into law.
Learn more about MMS’ recommendations for moving forward medical practice in response to the COVID-19 crisis.
Read MMS’ public policy recommendations for how to best support the practice of medicine throughout the remainder of the pandemic.
State Advocacy
Federal Advocacy
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February 12, 2021 - Letter to Congress Urging Extension of Moratorium on Medicare Sequester Cuts
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December 8, 2020 - Letter to Massachusetts Congressional Delegation on COVID-19 Relief, Medicare Payment Cuts and Out of Network Billing
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November 10, 2020 - Letter to Major Health Plans on Coverage of CPT Code 99072 for New Supplies, Staff During COVID-19
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November 10, 2020 - Letter to CMS Administrator Verma Regarding Coverage of CPT Code 99072 for New Supplies, Staff During COVID-19
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July 22, 2020 - Letter to CMS Administrator Verma on Scope of Practice and Licensure Waivers During Public Health Emergency
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July 10, 2020 - Letter to Massachusetts Congressional Delegation on Telehealth Policy
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July 10, 2020 - Letter to Congress Urging Federal Medicaid Match Increase and Medicaid Fiscal Accountability Rule Rescission
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June 9, 2020 - Letter to Congress Regarding Federal Liability Protection for Physicians
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June 5, 2020 - State Medical Association Letter to Senate Regarding Next COVID-19 Relief Package
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April 15, 2020 - Letter to Congress Regarding Fourth COVID-19 Relief Legislation
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April 7, 2020 - Letter to Secretary Azar Requesting Financial Assistance for Physicians During COVID-19 Pandemic
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March 26, 2020 - Letter to Massachusetts Congressional Delegation Regarding MMS Healthcare Provider Priorities
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March 20, 2020 - State Association Letter to Congress Regarding Third COVID-19 Response Plan
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March 18, 2020 - Letter Thanking Senator Warren for Personal Protective Equipment Push
MMS Testimony
