Stakeholders tee up survey results, congressional letter for August recess

WASHINGTON – Despite the “chaotic” environment in Washington, D.C., right now, Congress has work it must do before the end of the year and industry stakeholders remain laser focused on getting an extension of the 75/25 blended Medicare reimbursement rate included in some way. 

President Biden on July 21 announced he was stepping down and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris to run for the Democratic nomination. 

“I think the White House will proceed as normal, but you’ll see more of the vice president and hearing her speak,” said Jay Witter, senior vice president of government relations for AAHomecare. “The basics of funding the government and moving on these health care provisions – I don’t think is going to be impacted. Things are very chaotic, but we’re trying to make sure people focus on the health care package.” 

The 75/25 blended rate in non-bid, non-rural areas expired on Jan. 1, reinvigorating efforts to pass H.R. 5555, which would extend the rate through 2024. 

With both the House of Representatives and the Senate getting ready to break for the August recess, the “window is short for action,” says Tom Ryan, president and CEO of AAHomecare, to drum up additional support for the bill. The association is arming members holding meetings in their home districts with the results from a recently closed survey on the impact of the expired rates. 

“The results are compelling and heartbreaking,” he said. “These rates are just not sustainable, and we hope these narratives resonate well with (lawmakers) and the industry.” 

AAHomecare is also working with industry champions Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, R-Iowa, and Paul Tonko, D-N.Y., who spearheaded the introduction of H.R. 5555 last September, on a congressional letter to CMS. 

“The letter is asking CMS to reinstate the 75/25 blended rate,” said Witter. “It’s a really good tool for members to reach out and re-engage Congress and also for the rank-and-file House members to once again support our efforts.”