As part of a continuing effort to suspend round one of the Medicare bidding program for DME, AAHomecare will hold another lobbying fly-in on May 21. Round One is scheduled to take effect on July 1 in 10 areas throughout the U.S. “We expect all affected groups to participate, including home care providers, patient organizations, clinical groups, and other stakeholders,” said Tyler J. Wilson, AAHomecare president.  “We are also working with the state home care associations, the buying groups, and others to engage all of the communities affected by the bidding. Because of the sweeping impact of the bidding program, all DME providers should recognize that they have a stake in Round One.”

The congressional fly-in on May 21 will serve as just one element in a continuing effort to suspend Round One of bidding. Leading up to the May event, AAHomecare is asking providers, patients, and other stakeholders to continue to contact members of Congress via phone or letters and visit congressional district offices to ensure their views are heard. The Association encourages all providers and other stakeholders, whether in round one or not, to attend. Membership in AAHomecare is not required. Both veterans of Washington visits and first-timers are encouraged to attend. There is no fee for the event, but registration is requested

The schedule for May 21 is: 

8:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.               Continental breakfast (at Marriott Crystal Gateway, Arlington, Va.)
8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.               Issue briefing (at Marriott Crystal Gateway)
10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.             Capitol Hill visits

Participants are asked to schedule their meetings with congressional offices, with guidance from AAHomecare. For some states, the meetings will be scheduled by the state associations. AAHomecare will provide the fly-in registrants with details about scheduling meetings at a later date. The Association will also provide talking points and leave-behind materials for the congressional meetings.

AAHomecare has arranged with the Marriott Crystal Gateway, 1700 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, Va., (near Reagan National Airport) for a special room rate of $299 for a single/double.  For reservations, contact the hotel at 1-800-228-9290 and ask for the AAHomecare group rate. The hotel discount cut-off is April 24th.