11/25/2024

Congress Returns for Final Month as 75-25 Medicare Relief Legislation Remains in the Balance

HME Providers Urged to Engage with their Elected Representatives

The American Association for Homecare reports that the duration and scope of federal funding legislation currently being negotiated by Congressional leadership and predictions for “skinny” or more substantial bills are being made in political media.

Prospects for seeing HME industry measures enacted increase if leadership allows a larger bill. The AAHomecare lobbying team and other HME advocacy leaders continue to work with industry champions and meet with Hill staff to make the case for including H.R. 5555 and S. 1294 in the funding legislation or as a stand-alone bill.

Whatever the direction Congressional leaders take, our chances to see 75-25 rates restored are bolstered by providers' grassroots advocacy.  AAHomecare Senior Vice President for Public Policy Jay Witter asked for strong grassroots engagement now from the HME community in a recent call with their State Leaders Council when he remarked “When it goes, it’s going to go fast – there’s not going to be a lot of time to make our case once the basic structure of the bill takes shape.”

HME providers across the country are urged to reach out to US House and Senate healthcare staffers to make a post-election connection, congratulating those who are returning to office or making one more connection with offices who are not returning, to ask for support in including our relief in the funding package or any other vehicles. 

You'll find several helpful resources below:

• Industry messaging guidance to help you make one more connection on Capitol Hill.
• A pre-drafted Voter Voice message is also available; please share the link with your colleagues.
• OAMES Congressional healthcare staff contact information is available here.  
• If you have any questions or need assistance with your outreach or messaging, contact Heidi Moss at OAMES or Gordon Barnes at the American Association for Homecare.