The GOP Doctors Caucus became more powerful after the last election, with new members joining and one of its own, Rep. Tom Price, MD, R-Ga., confirmed as HHS secretary, according to Kaiser Health News.
The GOP Doctors Caucus has worked over the past several years to overturn the ACA, and Dr. Price's appointment is a step in that direction. However, the group may not be representative of all physicians. According to the report, 52 percent of physicians identify as Democrats and 55 percent of physicians report voting for Hillary Clinton; 26 percent voted for Donald Trump.
The GOP Doctor's Caucus members, and Dr. Price, have affiliations with organizations lobbying on Capitol Hill, including the American Medical Association and the American College of Physicians. The report notes that less than 25 percent of AMA members are currently practicing physicians. The GOP Doctors Caucus goals include:
1. Repealing the ACA and individual mandate.
2. Ending obligations for the 10 essential benefits under the ACA, including maternity and mental health.
3. Making changes to MACRA and the Merit-based Incentive Payment System, according to Medical Economics.