Remarks from the Medtrade Spring AAHomecare Legislative Update

LAS VEGAS (February 28, 2017)—Speakers at the American Association for Homecare’s Legislative Update characterized 2017 as a “year of opportunity” on day two of Medtrade Spring. “We believe we can work in the regulatory environment,” said Tom Ryan, president and CEO, AAHomecare, “and not have to continue to go to the Hill for legislation.”

“We ask that you continue to fight,” added Jay Witter, senior vice president, Public Policy. “Even with massive cuts, massive consolidation, and people going out of business—there are people at CMS, today, who think you are still overpaid.”

Witter described newly confirmed secretary of Health and Human Services (Tom Price, M.D.) as someone who has worked on competitive bidding problems and knows the challenges faced by HME providers. “We need to be helpful to Dr. Price,” said Witter. “We have to arm him with enough information to work with current CMS staff members to make changes.”

Witter and Ryan reminded attendees that the AAHomecare Washington Legislative Conference is scheduled for May 24–25, 2017. “This is the time to increase the pressure,” said Witter. 

Visit medtrade.com and aahomecare.org for more information.

—Greg Thompson