Direct Impact: AAHomecare Washington Legislative Conference Highlights

WASHINGTON (May 15, 2014)—With a sense of energy in the air, the 2014 AAHomecare Washington Legislative Conference opened with the announcement that Congresswoman Renee Ellmers (R-NC) has agreed to sponsor audit reform legislation. Ohio Congressman Jim Renacci let AAHomecare members know that, as a person whose oxygen company lost in the Round One Rebid, attendees were welcome to refer their members of Congress to him because he has lived through these issues. “Congressional staffers were well educated about our issues and that led to more productive and engaging discussions, said Robert Steedley, president, Barnes Healthcare Services and chairman of the AAHomcare Board of Directors. All of this came together at the Washington Legislative Conference, but it is the result of months of behind the scenes work from AAHomecare.” Eighteen Senators have already cosigned the letter to CMS spearheaded by Senators Thune (R-S.D.), Casey (D-Pa.) and Hoeven (R-N.D.). The strongly worded letter asks CMS Administrator Marilyn Tavenner to reconsider the expansion of Medicare bidding to rural areas. Please send an email to your Senator asking them to cosign this letter. Click here to visit the AAHomecare Action Center. “You can't underestimate the power of meeting with your legislators and staff. It's all about relationship building," said Cara Bachenheimer, senior vice president of government relations for Invacare. “Visiting your legislators in their D.C. office is critical to putting together the name, the face and the impact you have in your community.” The Washington Legislative Conference had a direct impact, gaining two new cosponsors on H.R. 1717, increased promotion of a targeted initiative to require binding bids, agreement from Rep. Ellmers to sponsor audit reform legislation, and building momentum for the Senate sign-on letter to CMS. These results were all a culmination of the hard work the industry has been putting in to make their voice heard on Capitol Hill. Learn how you can follow up on your meetings with this short video from AAHomecare Senior Vice President of Public Policy, Jay Witter.

Big-Name Speakers Address Washington Legislative Conference

AAHomecare Washington Legislative Conference attendees got exclusive access to big names who are directly impacting home care policy. • Laurence Wilson, CMS • Jim Renacci (R-Ohio), Congressman who went through Round One Rebid • Kim Brandt, Senate Finance Committee • Dr. Elizabeth Vliet, health care advocate

AAHomecare Releases Big News on Audit Reform

On May 6, 2014, AAHomecare and North Carolina Association for Medical Equipment Services thanked Congresswoman Renee Ellmers (R-NC) for putting patients first through her plans to sponsor legislation to fix the broken Medicare audit system. “AAHomecare has been raising the alarm and we have worked for a number of years on policy solutions to address this emerging issue,” said Tom Ryan, president and CEO of AAHomecare. “We appreciate and thank Congresswoman Ellmers for her understanding of the problems with the onerous audit system, as well as her continued efforts to address problems with competitive bidding.” AAHomecare urges members of Congress to support legislation to reform the Medicare audit and is working daily behind the scenes on Capitol Hill to build support for this legislation. AAHomecare Moving on New Audit Tracking System AAHomecare also announced that it will be moving forward with its proposal to build and launch a system to track the Medicare audits hurting homecare providers. “Good data informs good decisions,” said Tom Ryan, president and CEO of AAHomecare. “We’re ready to work on behalf of the industry to collect and quantify the impacts of audits and present compelling facts that policymakers cannot ignore.”

Two New Co-Sponsors on H.R. 1717

As a direct result of personal visits by AAHomecare members, Congresswoman Corrine Brown (D-FL) and Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (R-MO) have added their support to H.R. 1717. AAHomecare thanks the Congresswomen for their engagement and support and thanks those members responsible for their continued dedication to standing up for home care.

Todd Tyson Presented with AAHomecare Legislative Award

AAHomecare was honored to present Todd Tyson, President, Hi-Tech Healthcare with the 2014 Legislative Advocate Award. Tyson is an exemplary member whose contributions of time, effort and leadership have advanced the association’s government affairs efforts. Tyson’s leadership inspired others to be involved in advocacy and had a direct impact on the home care community. Teresa Tatum, executive director of the Georgia Association of Medical Equipment Services accepted the award on Tyson’s behalf. "There is no one more deserving or inspirational than Todd Tyson when it comes to leading and advocating for positive change in the industry.”

First Time Attendee Perspective: Wayne Perry, owner, Unity Medical

First time attendee Wayne Perry, owner of Florida-based Unity Medical, was more than ready for his meetings on the Hill. “Congress is not going to change anything without us bringing attention to the issue," said Perry. “I felt that I needed to go and try to make a difference. HME providers as a group need to bring our issues to the attention of our representatives. Remember the saying that if you don’t vote, then you can’t complain about who gets elected.” AAH: What was the most important part of the Washington Legislative Conference for you? WP: That is hard to say. Because this was my first time, I found the whole experience exciting. I met and talked to a number of other providers from all over the country. I attended meetings and listened to all the initiatives going on. Going to the Capitol and visiting the Senate and Congressional offices and meeting with the policymakers made the process very real to me. I really felt like I was participating and able to make my voice heard. AAH: When you were visiting on Capitol Hill, did you feel like the staff and legislators were educated about home care issues? WP: Yes, everyone I talked to seemed to know about the bidding program. However, some of the AAHomecare members who are regular attendees said this is a big change and that in the past many of the offices had no idea about the CBA program. AAH: What was your favorite office to visit and why? WP: It was vital for me to meet with Congressman Rooney’s (R-FL) staff. He is my home Congressman and covers a good part of the area my business serves. This was also my first meeting on my own. Congressman Rooney had signed onto the letter to Medicare to stop the spread of competitive bidding and this was very important to me since most of my area is not in a CBA. So, I got to thank the Congressman for his efforts that directly affected me. I also got to tell several war stories of patients in bidding areas that had problems either getting products or dealing with multiple DME companies. AAH: Was there anything that surprised you about the Washington Legislative Conference? WP: Overall, I had a great time and wonderful experience. I am looking at ways I can continue to try to influence the outcomes of the various initiatives we are trying to get approved. I am planning to write letters to reinforce the meetings. I am looking into possibly getting the hospital case managers to sign onto a letter voicing their issues with competitive bidding. AAH: What made you join AAHomecare? WP: We are stronger together than as individuals. I decided to join because I believe AAHomecare is doing very important work on our behalf. The lobbying the group is doing is benefitting our industry and to continue to do so takes money. I also expect to be kept more informed about what is happening in Washington.