H.R. 3790 at 242 Cosponsors; Keep ‘Em Coming, Advocates Urge

WASHINGTON — H.R. 3790, the bill that would repeal
competitive bidding, had
garnered 242 cosponsors as of Friday. That’s a great achievement,
industry advocates said, but it’s not time to quit yet.

The bill, introduced by Rep. Kendrick Meek, D-Fla., has growing
political support in the House from Democrats and Republicans
alike. The newest cosponsors include Reps. Lamar Smith, R-Texas;
Stephen Lynch, D-Mass.; Gwen Moore, D-Wisc.; Walt Minnick, D-Idaho;
and Trent Franks, R-Ariz.

But while strong bipartisan support gives it momentum, “this
alone does not guarantee that the bill will become law,” the
American Association for Homecare said in a notice last week.

According to a legislative update from Waterloo, Iowa-based VGM,
“Although we have reached our initial goal of 216 cosponsors,
maximum support (up to 300 cosponsors) would be ideal. It would
further enhance the chances to get either a Senate companion bill
introduced or to get the language of H.R. 3790 included in a larger
health care-related bill.

“Particular focus should be on both the Ways and Means and
Energy and Commerce Committee members who have not signed on,” the
update continued. “Because the two committees have jurisdiction
over Medicare-related issues, support from its members will help to
garner more support from the rest of the House members.”

AAHomecare added that House Ways and Means Committee Chair
Sander Levin, D-Mich., and Energy and Commerce Committee Chair
Henry Waxman, D-Calif., should be urged to include H.R. 3790 in
legislation that will go to the House floor.

Providers should also ask their senators to consider introducing
or cosponsoring a companion bill to H.R. 3790, the groups said.

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