VALDOSTA, GA – The Medicare audit system is out of control. To confront this growing problem, AAHomecare has been working with its council leadership and legislative experts to fight onerous audits on multiple fronts, including legislation.
We’ll still be working on competitive bidding, but a priority at this year’s Washington Legislative Conference is the launch of a massive legislative effort on audit reform. AAHomecare has developed a legislative proposal and is seeking sponsors as we speak.
It is vital that industry leaders be present at the Washington Legislative Conference for the launch of this initiative, and to carry our message on audit reform to the Hill. If you want to be a part of the solution, you need to attend this event.
This conference, scheduled for May 7-8, is your chance to meet with your legislators in person and drive the industry agenda with policymakers. AAHomecare is working on a suite of issues in addition to competitive bidding and audits. Whether it’s face-to-face, separate benefit legislation, power mobility, repair issues, or PMD demos, AAHomecare has put together a menu of options so attendees can advocate for the issues that mean the most to them.
In addition to the lobbying efforts, AAHomecare is bringing in big name speakers, such as:
• Laurence Wilson, CMS Chronic Care Policy Director, who will keynote the event and give attendees an exclusive inside look at CMS’ current thinking;
• Ohio Congressman Jim Renacci, who participated in the Round One Rebid as a medical supplies provider and understands the challenges our industry is facing; and
• Kim Brandt, Senate Finance Committee Chief Healthcare Investigative Counsel for the minority, who was a key participant in the recent Senate Finance Committee meeting on Medicare audits.
Benjamin Franklin said that energy and persistence can conquer all things. As we gear up to take on audit reform, we will need everyone’s support for the introduction of the legislation and the corresponding communications and grassroots strategies that AAHomecare will be executing on behalf of the industry.
I look forward to seeing everyone in Washington, DC.
Robert Steedley is president of Barnes Healthcare Services, Valdosta, Ga, and chairman of the American Association for Homecare Board of Directors, Washington, DC.