Editor's Note: MMA News Now is taking next week off for the Fourth of July holiday. We will return Thursday, July 13.

MMA Continues to Fight for Medicaid

Similar to its position on the U.S. House of Representative's American Health Care Act, the MMA has spoken out against the Senate's version of health care reform, specifically because of its dramatic cuts to Medicaid. In Minnesota, approximately 1.2 million people are enrolled in Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare. Read more here.

MMA's Legislative Review Now Available Online

The recent legislative session had some good and some bad in it for Minnesota physicians. The MMA was able to maintain the provider tax repeal, align state and federal quality measures, and pass several bills that will help fight the opioid epidemic. But, the House's resistance to moving the MMA's medication prior authorization legislation forward continues to be a frustration. Read a full report of the session here.

Deadline Extended to July 14 for MMA Award Nominations

Time is running out! Be sure to nominate your peers, medical students and advocacy champions for one of MMA's four annual awards. Visit the MMA website to make a nomination by July 14. Read more here. 

AMA Continues to Support Physicians, Practices with MIPS

In its continued efforts to prepare physicians and practices for Medicare's new Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS), AMA has designated this week as "Pick Your Pace Week" and is distributing various tools to help. Read more here. 

Trading Stethoscopes for Cameras

With the publication of the July/August issue of Minnesota Medicine, physicians will once again see how talented their colleagues are when it comes to photography skills. The annual photography and writing contest is a favorite for members. In the meantime, you can check out the latest batch of photography from physicians, residents and medical students in the MMA's online gallery.

Time to Submit Issues for Open Issues Forum at Annual Conference

Have an issue for which MMA action may be needed? Submit it for consideration at the Open Issues Forum, held annually at the MMA Annual Conference. This is a great opportunity to bring issues to the attention of the MMA, to discuss issues submitted by your fellow colleagues, and to get perspective on issues from physicians across the state. Deadline: Friday, Aug. 11.

Medical Students, Residents and Fellows: Share Research at the 4th Annual Poster Symposium

Get feedback from practicing physicians on your research! Submit an abstract to be considered for a poster presentation during the MMA's Annual Conference on Sept. 23 in Rochester. To be eligible, you must be enrolled in and actively pursuing an approved course within Minnesota leading to the degree of doctor of medicine or osteopathy, or engaged in a resident or fellow program approved by the Liaison Committee on Graduate Medical Education. If you have questions regarding eligibility, contact the MMA at [email protected]. Accepted poster entrants receive free registration to the conference. Submission deadline: July 31.