Upcoming Legislative Conference: Office visits, watercooler chats boost support 

WASHINGTON – AAHomecare’s first in-person Washington Legislative Conference in several years will allow attendees to not only line up support for industry causes but also set the stage for years to come with new members on committees of jurisdiction. 

“We have a number of freshman lawmakers that have been appointed to these committees,” said Jay Witter, senior vice president of government relations. “This is a great opportunity for our folks to establish these relationships now and then further educate and advocate for our issues.” 

The event will include a networking reception and dinner May 12, 5-9:30 p.m., followed by a full day to meet members of Congress and staff on May 13. At press time, the event had more than 70 attendees registered. 

While Witter regularly attends meetings on Capitol Hill, the conference will allow attendees to take advantage of face-to-face meetings after several years of virtual events due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“The staffers and members of Congress may have 10, 15, 20 meetings a day and that face-to-face interaction is always best,” he said. “Just being able to walk in and grab a water with someone gives you a better ability to interact.” 

Tom Ryan, president and CEO of AAHomecare, added: “I’ve been doing this for 30 years and face-to-face interaction is always better. There’s nothing better.” 

Of course, the primary focus of the event will be building support for H.R. 2005, a bill to re-establish 75/25 blended Medicare DME reimbursement rates in non-rural/non-competitive bidding areas. The bill was introduced in March by Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, R-Iowa, along with three original cosponsors, and has strong support out-of-the-gate from both the Ways and Means and Energy and Commerce committees. 

“This is a critical issue and we are really going to make a move to try to get this done,” Ryan said. “We’re going to have to get support so we’re working the grassroots and we really need to have (everyone) who can get their member of Congress understating (what’s at stake). Let them know how many people they employ in their district and what impact they have on patients.” 

Other talking points: tariffs, wheelchair upgrade bills (HR 1703 and S 247), Medicare Advantage coverage and prior authorization policies, and protecting Medicaid benefits. 

AAHomecare will provide advance education and help to schedule meetings. 

“We’ll get everybody excited and make sure they’re aware of the issues,” said Ryan. “We’ll get the troops fired up.” 

Registration is free for AAHomecare members and $129 for non-members.