NCB Repeal Tops Industry Agenda
AAHomecare aims to regain legislative momentum.
- By David Kopf
- Mar 10, 2011
The American Association for Homecare says it is making a “full throttle push” to repeal the competitive bidding program, and is working closely with House and Senate lawmakers to introduce legislation that would accomplish that.
“The goal in this Congress is to surpass last year’s effort in which the House bill H.R. 3790 garnered over 250 supporters but made little headway in that Chamber and saw no parallel legislative proposal in the Senate,” a statement from AAHomecare read. “The Association is committed to getting the bidding program repealed this year and wants to make sure the strategy in both the House and Senate lead to that result.”
That said, the effort faces legislative obstacles. AAHomcare cites this year’s challenges as a tougher budget environment in which Medicare spending is under close scrutiny; new political calculations because the House and Senate are controlled by different parties; and the fact that chairmen of some of the primary committees overseeing Medicare issues in the House and Senate have expressed support for competitive bidding.
As part of the push, the association and other industry supporters delivered a heavily attended presentation to Congressional staff last week on the competitive bidding programs many flaws and the problems that have ensued since the Round One implementation. Also, the association is gearing up for its Washington Conference, slated for next week, which has so far attracted more than 200 homecare activists who will meet and then lobby lawmakers.
The Association stated that while it works to craft repeal legislation, all homecare stakeholders are urged to express concern to their members of Congress and the media about the bidding program. It also advised patients, HME providers, and clinicians in Round One bidding areas to report any complaints about the bidding program at www.biddingfeedback.com or call 888-990-0499.
About the Author
David Kopf is the Editor of HME Business.