DO Day Legislative Issue Overview

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Join us for the legislative overview presentation, where you will learn more about the issues that you will be advocating for at DO Day on Capitol Hill. This year, we will advocate for:

Protecting Physician Practices and Medicare Access: At DO Day, we will advocate for the Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act (H.R. 879), which prevents further cuts to Medicare physician payments. This legislation is essential to ensure that osteopathic physicians can continue providing high-quality care to patients by keeping their practices open.
Addressing Barriers to Care: Medicaid funding is a lifeline for vulnerable populations, and telehealth expansion is critical for ensuring continuity of care, particularly in rural and underserved areas. We will advocate for policies that maintain access to both Medicaid and telehealth services.
Investing in the Future Physician Workforce: The Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education (THCGME) program plays a key role in training primary care physicians in underserved areas. Without reauthorization, we risk losing a crucial pipeline of physicians serving patients in need. Congress must act now to secure the future of this program.
Educating Lawmakers about the Osteopathic Profession: Discuss the importance of the osteopathic profession and its contributions to improving patient care.

Don't miss this opportunity to make a difference. Join us and learn how to advocate for commonsense legislation that impacts the osteopathic profession and patients across the United States.

Sean Neal

Sean Neal is the Vice President of Advocacy and Political Affairs with the American Osteopathic Association and has more than fifteen years of political and advocacy experience. Sean currently runs the Osteopathic Political Action Committee as well as heads the AOA’s grassroots programs on both the state and federal levels.

John-Michael Villarama Headshot

John-Michael Villarama, MA

John-Michael Villarama is the Vice President, Public Policy for the American Osteopathic Association and has more than fifteen years of legislative and regulatory experience in healthcare policy.

He is responsible for implementing public policy strategies and directives on behalf of the AOA House of Delegates and Board of Trustees. John-Michael provides thought leadership and develops the strategic direction of Public Policy and Government Affairs for the AOA. In collaboration with its Bureaus and Councils, he establishes and executes legislative and regulatory policy agendas in support of the osteopathic profession and builds effective partnerships with internal and external organizations to advance the association’s interests with lawmakers and regulatory agencies.

Prior to joining the AOA, John-Michael served as health policy staff in the U.S. Senate for over ten years. He holds a master’s degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College and a bachelor’s degree in molecular biology and organic chemistry from Coe College.