Optometrists Take on Capitol Hill
The American Optometric Association recently met with national legislators in Washington, D.C. to discuss how to expand optometric care for senior Americans who are covered by Medicare. The Congressional Advocacy Congress, a wing of the AOA, stated in a press release that its goals are to ″reinforce its support for a sustainable growth rate reform bill that solidifies optometry’s central role in Medicare for decades to come.″
Optometric Senior Care
The overall goal of the conference was to eliminate the barriers that many seniors face when they seek comprehensive eye exams. In fact, during the conference, the Senate approved a bill that eliminates the current payment scheme. As our nation’s elderly population surges, providing them with adequate optometric care is vital to maintaining their overall health and well-being.
Pro-Optometry Legislation
The AOA’s contingency of over 500 doctors and students also were encouraged to contact their representatives to ask for support for two bills that are important to the optometric profession: National Health Service Corps bill (HR 1312/S 898) and Optometric Residencies in the VA (HR 1688).
The National Health Service Corps bill seeks scholarships and loan repayment assistance for Ods who use their skills to service populations that might not normally receive optometric care. So far, this piece of legislation has 145 Congressional co-sponsors and 12 advocates in the Senate. This legislation could be a boon to new ODs who are graduating with debt from student loans. It could also be an incentive to promising students who are wary of entering a course of study that will add to their long-term debt load.
Student Loan Assistance
If the NHSC bill passes, ODs who provide two years of service to under-served populations would be eligible to receive up to $50,000 towards their student loans. This money is not considered taxable income and is dispersed upon the commencement of service, so ODs fresh out of school can pay down the principal on their loans before interest starts to accrue. Student loans do not begin to accrue interest until after the first six months following graduation.
Veterans Care
The Optometric Residencies in the VA bill seeks to increase OD residencies by up to 10% in the Veterans Administration. This is an amendment to the Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act of 2014. Not only would this provide more opportunities for young ODs, but it would also provide more optometric care for our veterans. Given the recent surge in the veteran population, this legislation will serve as a boon to both veterans and young ODs alike.
Overall, the AOA’s efforts in Washington are seen to benefit the optometric profession and the patients they treat. You can learn more about the American Optometric Association at their website.
[Photo Via: Optometric Cafe]