Carbon and titanium upgrade legislation will be among the talking points at this May’s legislative conference hosted by the American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare).
AAHomecare noted in a March 5 announcement that 2025 “has ushered in a new administration and major leadership changes on Congressional committees of jurisdiction for health-care finance issues. Our industry must take advantage of the opportunity to enlist new advocates for HME on Capitol Hill and strengthen relationships with our established champions.”
For that reason, the May 12-13 Washington legislative conference will be “full-scale, in-person” for the first time in six years.
The optimized-for-time conference schedule begins with a networking reception and dinner on Mon., May 12. On Tues., May 13, advocates will have a full day of meetings with legislators and their staffers on Capitol Hill.
S. 247 and H.R. 1703 — the current Senate and House bills, respectively, that would improve access to carbon fiber and titanium frame upgrades for Medicare beneficiaries needing ultralightweight wheelchairs — will be on the conference’s agenda.
AAHomecare said advocates will also focusing their discussions on restoring 75/25 blended Medicare reimbursement relief; delivering a long-term solution that aligns rates with market reality for suppliers in former competitive bidding areas; ensuring Medicare Advantage plans don’t limit coverage of HME; protecting Medicaid benefits; reforming the Universal Payment Identification Code (UPIC) program; and urging support for ePrescribing for durable medical equipment.
“Your in-person lobbying on Capitol Hill has given way to Congressional engagement with HHS [Department of Health & Human Services] and CMS [Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services] that led to important COVID-19 PHE [public health emergency] relief, establishing 50/50 blended rates in rural areas on a permanent basis, and improvements in O2 reimbursement policy,” the association said. “With a new administration in place, we may have an expanded playing field to secure wins for HME.”
Conference registration is free for AAHomecare members, and $129 for non-members. The Washington Marriott Capitol Hill will serve as conference headquarters. The hotel room block closes on April 25.
