WASHINGTON, DC – As the 2019 Washington Legislative Conference approaches, AAHomecare would like to take this opportunity to thank those who attended this important event in the past. These HME advocates successfully fought for the passage of legislation that required state licensure and binding bids in the competitive bid program, Thune/Price legislation that provided relief to all non-competitive bidding areas, and legislation that stopped the cuts to CRT power accessories.
While the MPP legislation did not pass into law, the tremendous support for the bill resulted in the Administration using a number of components of it as the basis of competitive bidding program changes.
Washington Legislative Conference successes were not just limited to passing legislation. These HME advocates also successfully worked with Congress to convince HHS and CMS to make major reforms to the DME Medicare benefit. These efforts resulted in forcing the OMB to release the IFR, permanently stopping the cuts to CRT power accessories, suspending and redesigning the competitive bidding program, and providing additional relief to rural areas until 2021.
These successes are only the tip of the iceberg to reform the DME Medicare benefit. We need our HME champions in DC this year to continue the fight and build off of previous successes.
This Year’s Conference Represents Opportunity to Build on Recent Gains
Join suppliers and other stakeholders to explain how unsustainable Medicare reimbursement rates and excessive regulations impact the HME community and the patients we serve. Make your case in high-impact, face-to-face meetings with members of Congress and their staff!
We need a strong turnout at this year’s Legislative Conference to keep the pressure on Congress to expand Medicare reimbursement relief, provide a longer-term solution for suppliers outside of bidding areas, fix oxygen payment policy, and protect access to CRT and ventilators. In addition, the Legislative Conference will provide an opportunity for the HME community to respond to any significant issues raised in CMS guidance on the next bidding round, which is likely to be released before the Conference takes place.
Whether you’re a seasoned HME advocate or an individual who wants to become more involved in shaping better public policy for our industry, you can make an impact at this year’s Washington Legislative Conference!
Register Today to Secure Your Best Set of Meetings
Help us get the best schedule of appointments for you by registering early for the conference! While we will work hard to accommodate individuals who join us at the last minute, registering early will help us put together the most effective and convenient meeting schedule possible. Contact Gordon Barnes at [email protected] with any questions or special requests.
Washington Legislative Conference – May 22-23, 2019
DoubleTree by Hilton Crystal City – Arlington, Va.
Make Reservations today to receive the conference rate: Room rate $239 per night if reserved by April 29. Register online or call 800-222-8733 for the DoubleTree reservation line, and reference the American Association for Homecare.
Register for the Conference here — $49 Members | $99 Nonmembers
