WASHINGTON--Propelled perhaps by the fact that the HME industry is in a state of crisis unparalleled in its history, twice as many providers as in previous years have so far registered for the American Association for Homecare's annual Legislative Conference, set for June 5-7.

The conference comes as the industry is being bombarded by competitive bidding, the Deficit Reduction Act's 36-month oxygen rental cap, vastly changed mobility policies and a host of other issues, not to mention rapidly declining reimbursements.

Last week in its newsletter, AAHomecare reported that Rep. Pete Stark, D-Calif., chair of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Health, noted the likelihood of "across-the-board" cuts to Medicare providers in all sectors unless the providers help by identifying what to cut. "It's going to be a busy summer," Stark said.

But Michael Reinemer, the association's vice president of communications and policy, said he is encouraged by response to the upcoming conference. "It's a very positive trend compared to recent years," he said. "More people understand two things: 1) what's at stake in terms of home care policy decisions made in Washington; and 2) the growing realization that home care can achieve progress when everyone pitches in and puts their shoulders into a unified effort."

Sen. Arlen Specter and CMS Acting Deputy Administrator Herb Kuhn are among those speaking at the event. Attendees will also have the chance to meet with their state's federal legislators in a lobbying day on Capitol Hill.

"We will push hard for changes to the competitive bidding program, chiefly via the Tanner-Hobson bill, H.R. 1845, and we will push for repeal of the Deficit Reduction Act changes to oxygen policy via the Home Oxygen Patient Protection Act, H.R. 621," Reinemer said. "We expect to achieve expanded support for these priorities and make significant progress in educating members of Congress, especially some of the new members, about our issues."

The Tanner-Hobson bill would allow eligible providers who do not win bids in CMS' competitive bidding project to continue to service Medicare beneficiaries at the bid rate. The HOPP bill would repeal the rental cap on home oxygen and allow providers to retain ownership of the equipment.

"We'd like to get providers and manufacturers to bring patients again this year if possible," said Reinemer. "Teaming up providers with some of their home care patients is a very good way to convey the importance of home care policies to members of Congress."

Conference participants can attend briefing sessions on the issues as well as on how to lobby legislators effectively, he said.

"I hope we get a big turnout," said Tom Ryan, AAHomecare chair and president and CEO of Homecare Concepts in Farmingdale, N.Y. "If we can't get the industry to turn out now, that's pretty amazing ... Now is the time."

For more information about the conference, visit www.aahomecare.org.