On Capitol Hill

Friendly lawmakers gave AAHomecare Legislative Conference attendees strong rallying calls before their lobbying visits to the Hill. It’s important to

By HomeCare Staff

July 1, 2007

Friendly lawmakers gave AAHomecare Legislative Conference attendees strong rallying calls before their lobbying visits to the Hill.

“It’s important to show that home care saves money,” said Rep. Mike Ross, D.-Ark., the only HME owner in Congress. He added that providers should contact their representatives and invite them to visit. “You’ve got to get that message out,” he urged.
Rep. John Tanner, D-Tenn., who introduced H.R.1845, said support for the bill is growing. He noted it will take up to 100 cosponsors for the bill to gain attention in Congress.
Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Pa., said Congress has a full plate with issues including the war in Iraq, education and homeland security. But, he said, “you’re on the right track being here in Washington. It’s a crowded floor time, but … You’ve got to keep it up.”

After the conference, Specter wrote HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt asking CMS to exclude complex rehab from competitive bidding.