This has been another busy few months for Federal Advocacy Coordinators (FACs). HR 884 (The Medicare Mental Health Access Act/Physician Definition Bill) was not included in the Energy and Commerce vote in July. In order to not lose the previous momentum related to this bill, I met with a staff member for Representative Kurt Schrader’s office (Congressional District 5) to discuss HR 884. I was joined by OPA member Dr. Marsha Green, who shared some powerful stories about the ways in which physician oversight for Medicare clients creates multiple barriers for the work she does with our most vulnerable communities. Representative Schrader’s office seemed open to hearing the information we shared and suggested that the main opposition of which they are aware is from other medical professionals. This is a common response, as some medical professionals see this legislation as a scope of practice bill. I explained all the reasons that this is not a scope of practice bill and asked for Representative Schrader’s office to help bring this legislation to a vote and consider co-sponsoring this bill.

Scott Barstow, Senior Director of Congressional and Federal Affairs at APA, and I also attended a meeting with Senator Ron Wyden where I was able to discuss the need for access to audio-only telehealth reimbursement. He was open to this idea and appeared to commit to including this in future legislation.

I was very pleased with the responses from several Oregon psychologists who were willing to share their stories about their difficulties with Medicare as it relates to these specific issues. I want to start by saying thank you!  Various presentations I have attended continue to emphasize that the most impactful advocacy work is related to the actual stories from congressional districts about the ways in which various pieces of legislation impact our lives. I will continue to reach out to OPA members as new requests arise. I encourage everyone to consider participating in this important advocacy work; I find the work to be very rewarding, and it is an important opportunity for us to use our skills as psychologist to advocate for change in meaningful ways.