WASHINGTON, D.C., May 10, 2013—With the July 1 start date of Round 2 right around the corner, the Washington Legislative Conference provides a vital opportunity for providers and manufacturers to talk with federal policy makers about the negative impact of so-called “competitive” bidding and the need for an alternative program.

This year’s conference, May 22-23, will focus on the Medicare DMEPOS Market Pricing Program Act of 2013 (H.R. 1717), introduced by Rep. Tom Price, MD (R-Ga.) and Rep. John Larson (D-Conn.). This legislation will replace the current Medicare DME bidding program with a sustainable market pricing program (MPP) that is based upon sound economic principles that are embraced by auction experts across the country.

In addition to fighting to replace the current bidding program, Conference participants will be armed with information and position papers on audits, power mobility, and other key policy areas for the HME sector. The Association staff will schedule your visit with congressional offices and provide talking points and leave-behind materials.

On Wednesday, May 22, the schedule features remarks by Congressmen Glenn Thompson (R-Pa.), Congressman Tom Price (R-Ga.), and Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.). There will also be time devoted to preparation for the following day's lobbying sessions.

Special thanks to our event sponsors. Their generous support for the Legislative Conference allows us to hold down registration costs and helps more HME advocates to participate each year. Please visit the AAHomecare website for more Conference details at www.aahomecare.org.