The American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare) has asked industry members to reach out to their Senators and Representatives on behalf of bills S. 1294 and H.R. 5555, which would extend the 75/25 blended rate for home medical suppliers in non-competitive-bidding areas.

In a Dec. 13 announcement, AAHomecare noted that H.R. 5555 was approved by the House Energy and Commerce Committee last week, while the Senate’s Finance Committee passed “similar legislation” in November.

Chamber- & Party-Specific Recommendations

“Now we’re asking HME advocates to help make one more push to Senators and Representatives to have this relief included in government funding legislation that is likely to be considered in January 2024,” the announcement added.

The announcement provided specific chamber- and party-specific recommendations to industry stakeholders. For industry members with Democratic Senators, AAHomecare said, “Please ask your Senator to contact Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s office and ask that S. 1294 be included in government funding legislation in January.” For members whose Senators are Republicans, AAHomecare said, “Please ask your Senator to contact Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell’s office and ask that S. 1294 be included in government funding legislation in January.”

AAHomecare suggested that industry members whose Representatives are Republicans “contact Speaker of the House Mike Johnson and ask that H.R. 5555 be included in government funding legislation in January.” Industry members with Democratic Representatives were asked “to contact House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and ask that H.R. 5555 be included in government funding legislation in January.”

The announcement added, “Both bills continue 75/25 blended Medicare rate relief granted in 2022 Omnibus budget for an additional year and provide more stability for suppliers in non-bid areas as well as bolstering rates from other payers who are influenced by Medicare rates, including TRICARE and Medicaid programs in more than 20 states.”

The association also said industry members can “send a pre-drafted message to your Senators and Representatives using our Voter Voice advocacy tool.” Industry members can send the pre-written message as is or can edit the letter to include specific details about their own experiences, businesses, and patients.