06/06/2023

June and July: Action Time for S. 1294

Source: AAHomecare Insider

Building support and adding co-sponsors for The Competitive Bidding Relief Act of 2023 (S. 1294) over the next two months is critical for the potential success of the legislation. The Senate is scheduled to be in session for about six weeks during June and July and then will recess until after Labor Day.

Senate offices can be deliberate when it comes to adding their names as a co-sponsor to legislation, so HME advocates must be prepared to make a determined and consistent case for extending 75/25 blended rates through 2024.  And the best time to start is now.

The most impactful way to make an impression is to send an email to Senate staff who handle healthcare issues asking that they co-sponsor S. 1294. More resources and messaging can be found on our Medicare Reimbursement Legislation Campaign Central. Contact Gordon Barnes at gordonb@aahomecare.org for contact info for Senate healthcare staff.

You can also send a pre-drafted letter of support using our Voter Voice grassroots tool and share that link with your colleagues and friends. You are encouraged to add your own perspectives and experiences supporting your patients to the message.

Individuals who took part in our May 10 Leadership Fly-In are especially encouraged to follow up and ask their Senators to co-sponsor the legislation.

Securing another significant measure of relief for HME will take an all-hands-on-deck advocacy effort. We’re fortunate to have the highly respected Senators John Thune (R-SD) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) as lead sponsors for S. 1294. Now we need you to help us add more co-sponsors and momentum for the legislation.

-------------------------------------

If you have any questions about S.1294 or would like information on contacts with Ohio's US Senators Sherrod Brown and JD Vance, please contact OAMES executive director Kam Yuricich at kam@oames.org.