Capitol Hill - In the aftermath of September 11, activity on Capitol Hill has been focused on responding to the war on terrorism. Like most Americans, members of Congress must grapple with a balance between living in a new world order—and continuing to live as normally as possible. The latest reports are that Congress hopes to adjourn by late October or early November. This remains uncertain given the national crisis. Congress must still address the appropriations bills that fund the federal government.
The House Ways & Means Health Subcommittee approved the Medicare Regulatory Relief Act (H.R. 2768) in early October. The bill would offer regulatory relief to Medicare health care providers and strengthen appeals rights of those accused of improper billing. Subcommittee Chairman Nancy Johnson (R-CT) noted that the major thrust of the bill is to create a more collaborative effort and less confrontational relationship between providers and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Subcommittee Ranking Member Pete Stark (D-CA) is also a sponsor. Both sponsors hope to move H.R. 2768 forward as quickly as possible with bipartisan support.
ABCD had hoped to include some of our legislative priorities in the bill. However, the overall bill had been scored to have no net fiscal impact. Legislators are not accepting any provisions that would be potentially controversial or pose additional costs. The bill appears to limit its focus to regulatory relief and a few Meciare+ Choice financing improvements. It is on the fast track and the bipartisan sponsors want to keep it on course.
As we go to press, the news is that the House Ways & Means Committee may take up the measure in October, and may bring H.R. 2768 to the House floor shortly thereafter. It is uncertain if H.R. 2768 will be taken up as a separate measure or rolled into a broader piece of legislation.—Julie Shroyer
Staff News - ABCD Welcomes New Policy Analyst - Julie Shroyer, M.S.W., of Wheat & Associates, is ABCD’s new policy consultant, who will guide efforts to promote our issues to Congress. Julie takes on a role held for several years by Sue Emmer, J.D., who has taken a new position with the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. As Senior Vice President of Wheat & Associates, Julie has more than a decade of experience in government relations and has guided clients successfully through the maze of the budget and appropriations process. Before joining Wheat, she was a vice president at Capitol Associates where her clients included health professional associations, medical research societies, and universities. Her work there led to numerous legislative victories and increased Congressional awareness of her clients’ priorities.
Julie and her colleagues at Wheat & Associates are excited about working with ABCD to further its legislative initiatives in Congress. Julie noted that she was particularly interested in representing ABCD’s interests because end-of-life issues affect all of us.
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