The Ohio Academy of Family Physicians (OAFP) advocacy team monitors healthcare related legislation, rule changes, and legislative updates for Ohio’s family physicians.
To access the OAFP Bill Tracker, visit the OAFP Public Policy webpage and click on the Bill Tracker icon.
Read on for this week’s updates and contact Advocacy Coordinator Kaela Springhetti with questions or for ways to get involved.
Congress Reaches Bipartisan Agreement on Health Bill
Source: Health Policy Institute of Ohio
After months of unsuccessful negotiations to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies that have since expired, congressional leaders announced this week that they’d reached a bipartisan agreement to overhaul other parts of the healthcare system. (Source: Lawmakers Reached A Surprise Bipartisan Health Deal. Now They Have to Keep It. Politico, January 22).
The agreement, attached to a government spending bill, would implement long-sought changes to the way pharmacy benefit managers operate, as well as extensions of public health programs and increased funding for community health centers. But even with strong support in both chambers, the bill faces significant hurdles.
DeWine Administration Officially Launches Children’s Vision Initiative ‘OhioSEE’
Source: Hannah News
The state has officially launched a program funded in the biennial budget meant to ensure children receiving vision screenings at school actually end up with eyeglasses if needed.
Governor Mike DeWine travelled recently to Cleveland to visit Campus International School where several K-3 students received fitted eyeglasses through the new OhioSEE program, his office said.
Under House Bill 96, lawmakers provided $10 million for OhioSEE, a proposal Gov. DeWine included in his executive budget and touted in his “State of the State” address last year. He has also highlighted its connections to his efforts to improve literacy instruction in Ohio.
“What we are doing with OhioSEE is life-changing for these students, and this is just the beginning,” said Gov. DeWine in a statement. “I look forward to seeing this program grow as it addresses the barriers preventing young students from receiving the critical eye care they need. I encourage superintendents in the pilot counties to take a serious look at this program and contact us to get enrolled.”
Under OhioSEE, K-3 students can get comprehensive eye exams and glasses through the school. The program will either bring a fully equipped mobile van to provide onsite exams and later deliver eyeglasses; or bring a team of professionals to set up an exam space within the school building.
The program operates in 15 high-need counties where the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) found that 80% of children identified by screenings as needing follow-up care do not receive it: Allen, Butler, Clark, Clermont, Cuyahoga, Erie, Franklin, Guernsey, Huron, Jackson, Lorain, Mahoning, Marion, Montgomery, and Ross.
“Good vision plays a vital role in students’ success in the classroom – even minor vision problems can significantly impact learning, reading, and participation,” said ODH Director Bruce Vanderhoff, MD, MBA, FAAFP. “That’s why we’re encouraging schools that are eligible to sign up for this impactful new program. OhioSEE hopes to bridge the gap for students whose families may struggle to arrange follow-up eye care after a failed vision screening by bringing eye exams into schools and covering the cost of those services.”
Nearly 50 schools are enrolled or are in the enrollment process, the administration said.
“We’re grateful for Gov. DeWine’s support of the OhioSEE initiative,” said Warren Morgan, EdD, CEO of the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. “At Campus International, we see firsthand how access to eyeglasses removes barriers to learning and empowers our students to thrive. Programs like OhioSEE, which provide direct support to students, make a real difference in our classrooms every day. Our students have immense potential, and when we give them the resources they need, whether that’s vision care, school supplies, or other essentials, we help ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed.”
“More than 3 million children across the country go to school every day without the glasses they need,” said Vision To Learn Founder Austin Beutner. “When children go to school hungry, we feed them. We make sure they have the books and school supplies they need. Why not glasses?”
January Issue of AAFP’s Family Medicine Advocacy Rounds
The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) has released its January issue of Family Medicine Advocacy Rounds, a monthly tip sheet to educate, engage, and update you on the latest policy issues affecting family physicians and their patients.
Read the issue to learn more about what the AAFP’s advocacy team has been working on this past month including:
- DEA Preserves Telehealth Flexibilities
- AAFP Supports Vaccinations for Children
- Family Physicians Weigh in on Public Charge Rule
- AAFP Continues to Advocate for Medicare Payment Reform.