BIRMINGHAM, AL – We are surely in for some interesting times. Let’s examine some possible results from Donald Trump winning the presidency and the Republicans gaining control of the Senate. First, it is likely that Sen. John Thune (R-SD), who introduced S.1294, will become the Senate leader. That should improve our odds for Medicare rural rate relief and possibly the odds for getting it this year.

Next, many experienced observers believe that retiring Rep. Jerry Carl (R-AL) of Mobile, a great friend of the industry, will get an appointment in the Trump administration. We don’t know what it might be, but surely it will be helpful.

And not to dampen anyone’s enthusiasm, but some have predicted a possibility for Robert Kennedy, Jr., becoming HHS Secretary. Having someone in that position who doesn’t believe in vaccines or fluoridated drinking water is a bit unsettling. Having someone like Jerry in the White House would surely make this writer more comfortable.

For more on that, see this KFF Health News excerpt: “And with the elevation of vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to Trump’s inner circle of advisers, public health interventions with rigorous scientific backing—whether fluoridating public water supplies or inoculating children—could come under fire.”

Finally, if Trump does as expected with tariffs, economics experts predict even higher inflation than we have recently experienced. Since China is supposed to get the highest tariffs, and that is where many HME products are made, those higher prices and probable shortages could have a dramatic effect on our industry.

With control of the House still unknown, much uncertainty remains. After nearly fifty years of lobbying, it’s fascinating to this writer.

Michael Hamilton is executive director of the Alabama Durable Medical Equipment Association, Birmingham, Alabama.