ARLINGTON, Va., Sept. 5, 2012—As has been reported, Rep. Tom Price, M.D. (R-Ga.) has agreed to introduce a bill in the U.S. House of Representatives to replace the Medicare bidding program with the Market Pricing Program (MPP). This is an important step forward in stopping the current bidding program and replacing it with a market-based system that will not interfere with patients’ access to home medical equipment and services.
AAHomecare members have started asking members of Congress to agree to be original cosponsors for the MPP bill. Rep. Price’s staff has reported that a large number of congressional offices (both Republicans and Democrats) have contacted them. This is an excellent beginning, but the home-care sector needs to keep the pressure on. Congress returns from recess soon, so please take the following actions:
• E-mail or call your Representative and urge him or her to sign on to the MPP bill as an original cosponsor. The Capitol switchboard number is 202-224-3121.
• Your Representative should contact Rep. Price’s office to confirm his or her support for the MPP bill.
• You can describe the legislation as a bipartisan bill to bring market-based pricing to home medical equipment and services in Medicare. Traditionally, both Republicans and Democrats have supported efforts to fix the bidding program so that it aligns with the original intent of Congress, preserves access to home-based care, and does not wipe out small businesses. It is important to continue the tradition of having support from both parties on this bill.
• Refer to the issue brief and bill summary for the Market Pricing Program as well as answers to FAQs (frequently asked questions) to help you to explain the issue to your Representative. Additional details are available here.
• If you have already contacted your Representative about the MPP bill, please follow up and ask if he or she has signed on as an original cosponsor.
If you have any questions about how to talk to your Representative about MPP contact Jay Witter at jayw@aahomecare.org. Also visit www.aahomecare.com.