Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists Bulletin Fall 2016 - 14

PCSO Business Your Government Affairs Team Is Working Hard During This Historic Election Dr. Howard Hunt AAO Political Action Committee (AAO PAC) PCSO Director The AAO's Responsible Additions and Increases to Sustain Employee (RAISE) Health Benefits Act of 2015 (also known as the RAISE Act) would provide opportunities for all American families to better manage healthcare costs, while also allowing them to save for future medical expenses. If the RAISE Act becomes law, (1) the current $2,550 annual cap on patient FSAs (flexible spending accounts) would be increased to $5,000; (2) families with more than two dependents would be eligible to deposit up to an additional $500 a year for each additional dependent; and (3) the yearly "use-it-or-lose-it" rule would be extinguished, allowing any unused FSA funds to be carried over in perpetuity. Knowing these benefits, the AAO had its federal lobbyist draft the Act and is now pleased to see its continuous progress in Congress. Since the AAO's Professional Advocacy Conference earlier this year, the RAISE Act has gained momentum in the House and the Senate. Within the months following the Conference, 22 bipartisan House members agreed to sign the House bill (H.R. 1185), bringing the current total to 76 co-sponsors. On July 14, 2016, Senator Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) introduced the RAISE Act in the Senate before Congress went on recess. AAOPAC Update The AAO Political Action Committee (AAOPAC) has raised more than $70,000 since January 1, 2016. By comparison, AAOPAC raised approximately $7,750 during the same time period in 2015. During this two-year election cycle, AAOPAC has already contributed over $200,000 to more than 50 federal candidates and plans to contribute even more. AAOPAC contributes to policymakers whose views are consistent with the goals of the orthodontic specialty. These contributions are overseen by the AAOPAC board. Decisions regarding which candidates to support are made by the AAOPAC Board of Directors to establish the most effective use of the collective voice of AAO members. The board is comprised of representatives from the constituent organizations and liaisons from the AAO Board of Trustees and the Council on Governmental Affairs. The board reviews policy positions, votes taken on issues of importance to the AAO, leadership roles, and committees of jurisdiction. AAO leaders, staff, and legislative counsel work to educate legislators about the economic importance of the orthodontic specialty and how policies and proposed legislation impact orthodontists and orthodontic patients. The repeal of the medical device tax and the RAISE Act are just two examples of the impact the orthodontic profession is having on Congress.  Since January 1, 2016, the Constituencies have raised the following amounts:         14 SAO: PCSO: MSO: SWSO: NESO: RMSO: GLAO: MASO: $16,241.00 $11,625.00 $ 7,075.00 $ 6,308.32 $ 6,131.00 $ 6,020.00 $ 5,050.00 $ 2,575.00 PCSO Bulletin  Fall 2016

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists Bulletin Fall 2016