American Medical Association
This 162-year-old national organization advocates for physicians and medical students.
What They Want
The AMA endorsed the House bill for its inclusion of near-universal coverage, a health insurance exchange, Medicare reform, and prevention and wellness initiatives.
In a July letter to House Ways and Means Chairman Charles Rangel, D-N.Y., the AMA also praised the bill for funding chronic disease management and care coordination, stopping denials of insurance based on preexisting conditions, mandating insurance coverage, improving the Physician Quality Reporting Initiative and addressing "growing physician workforce concerns."
Under the House bill, those workforce concerns will be addressed through an increase in funding for the National Health Service Corps -- a program within the Department of Health and Human Services that assists doctors in underserved communities -- and greater promotion of primary care services and community health centers.
The House bill, however, does not include any provisions relating to tort reform or defensive medical practices, issues the AMA has advocated for in the past. For years, the AMA has said that tort reform, which would cap pain and suffering awards in medical malpractice cases, could lower insurers' payouts and limit the rising costs of insurance.
Deal Breakers
The AMA has expressed full support for the House bill. Although the group says it will review final legislation thoroughly, it currently does not oppose any specific provisions.
How Much They've Spent
During the 2010 campaign cycle, the AMA's political arm has contributed $138,500 to federal candidates and political action committees, including the Senate Majority Fund, the Republican National Committee, both parties' congressional and senatorial committees and the Blue Dog Political Action Committee, according to Federal Election Commission records. It gave $1.6 million to committees and candidates during the 2008 campaign cycle, of which 56 percent went to Democrats and 44 percent to Republicans, according to the Center for Responsive Politics.
Health professionals as an industry -- including individuals and professional associations for health care providers -- have contributed $10.7 million during the 2010 election cycle after giving $95 million during the 2008 election cycle, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. For 2010, 58 percent of contributions have gone to Democrats and 42 percent have gone to Republicans, and in 2008, 53 percent went to Democrats and 47 percent went to Republicans.
The AMA spent $8.2 million on lobbying efforts in the first six months of 2009, according to lobbying disclosure forms. In the first half of 2008, the AMA spent about $10.9 million on lobbying activities.
Last month, the AMA paid for print ads supporting health care reform in the Chicago Tribune, New York Times and Wall Street Journal and in medical trade magazines online.
The group has also joined coalitions spending money in the health care debate, like Americans for Stable Quality Care. This week, that coalition launched $12 million in TV ads supporting reform.
The AMA reported about $266.1 million in total revenue in 2007, according to its Form 990 filed with the IRS.
Key Players
The AMA's president, J. James Rohack, is a cardiologist in Texas. He has served on several doctor-patient advocacy groups, including the Joint Commission and the Hospital Quality Alliance, and on the National Advisory Council to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, which reports to the Department of Health and Human Services.
Rohack, along with the group's immediate past president, Nancy Nielsen, has been to several meetings at the White House to discuss reform.
"The AMA is actively engaged with Congress and the administration to achieve health reform that best meets the needs of patients and physicians," Rohack said in a July press release.
President Obama spoke at the group's annual meeting in June in Chicago.
"And I want to commend the AMA, in particular, for offering to do your part to curb costs and achieve reform," Obama said in his speech to the AMA.
AMA CEO Michael Maves joined the organization in 2002. He was previously president of the Consumer Healthcare Products Association and executive vice president of the American Academy of Otolaryngology.
"Whether you're testifying before a legislative committee, providing expert advice to a public health initiative, or simply counseling a patient on an important medical condition, or a patient's family on how to help prevent disease, you are protecting our nation's health," Maves said of the group's efforts at the AMA annual meeting in June.
Rohack and Maves are not registered lobbyists. George Cox leads a team of 21 other individuals who are registered to lobby for the AMA.
Links
AMA Vision For Health System Reform
AMA Print Ad
Maves Address At AMA 2009 Meeting
Obama Address to AMA Annual Meeting 2009
To post a comment, you must provide a name and a valid e-mail address. Messages must be limited to 400 words. By using this service you agree not to post material that is obscene, harassing, defamatory, or otherwise objectionable. Although Under the Influence does not monitor comments posted to this site (and has no obligation to), it reserves the right to delete, edit, or move any material that it deems to be in violation of this rule.
Responded on August 29, 2009 11:24 AM
armando montelongo
this a good topic and can benefits the medical needs of the people. In this topic "The AMA endorsed the House Bill for its inclusion of near-universal coverage, a health insurance exchange, Medicare reform, and prevention and wellness initiatives. and therefore for funding chronic disease management and care coordination, stopping denials of insurance based on preexisting conditions, mandating insurance coverage, improving the Physician Quality Reporting Initiative and addressing "growing physician workforce concerns. In this Proposed bill it will benefits the medical and insurance protection of the people by all means of making conditions and support of the government. But i must say how do people have this programs if they dont have money or job. Do they have protection if ever they get sick and need proper medical attention. How can obama help the United states people if many are suffering of poverty. thank you.