Put Policy Over Politics

Published in Government Relations on October 07, 2024

The election of 2024 is quickly approaching, and it is a hot topic for everybody. Mike “Ike” Isaacson, Senior Vice President (SVP), VGM Government Relations, recently shared his thoughts about the election and the importance of prioritizing effective policymaking over political agendas in the healthcare industry. Focusing on sound policies within the HME space can lead to better outcomes for patients and the industry as a whole, rather than allowing political considerations to dictate decisions. The industry must embrace a collaborative approach among stakeholders to ensure that policies are driven by evidence and best practices, rather than partisan interests.

Read below from Mike “Ike” Isaacson, featured in HME News, or click here.

As the election noise continues to get louder and louder, it becomes even more important to focus on the races and issues that affect our healthcare space. Cutting through that noise and looking for opportunities to gain legislative champions is the top priority as we move through the election cycle and into a new congressional year.

The HME industry already has some very strong champions in Congress, from each party and from all over the country. But each election brings the potential for solidifying existing champions and aligning new champions, so it is imperative that we, as an industry, work to create relationships with each one.

To fine tune our advocacy work, it is also important to understand the key congressional committees that control the “purse strings” in our industry. Each election can create changes in leadership and committee assignments and an opportunity for more champions on both sides of the aisle.

Exploring these changes below provides a look into the work that we need to do to continue elevating the life-changing and cost-saving services our industry provides.

New Energy

We have enjoyed a strong champion in Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), chairwoman of the House Energy & Commerce Committee. With her announcement that she will not be seeking re-election, it creates an opportunity to find others that are willing to step up and support our industry and the people we serve. Others, such as Reps. Larry Buschon (R-IN), Greg Pence (R-IN), and Michael Burgess (R-TX), will not be returning to the committee, either. We do have several members of the committee that have given their voice to our work, such as Rep. Brett Guthrie (R-KY), as well as Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), who co-sponsored H.R. 5555, which would restore the 75/25 Medicare blended reimbursement rates in non-rural, non-bid areas.

Where There’s a Way

Another committee to pay close attention to is House Ways & Means. While there is not as much of a shake-up here, members such as Rep. Brad Wenstrup (R-OH), who is also a member of the “Doc Caucus,” will not be returning. This key committee has authority over revenue-related aspects of the Social Security System, Medicare, and social services programs. Rep. Jason Smith (R-MO), chairman of the committee, has held many “healthcare innovation” hearings across the country, gathering feedback from industry healthcare providers and patients alike. This oversight makes the members of this committee extremely important to our industry causes and to the ability of our patients to access care.

New Finance Faces

Finally, looking at the Senate Finance Committee, we will see some new faces, as Sens. Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Thomas Carper (D-DE) will not be back. Of particular note, Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), co-sponsor of S. 1294, the companion bill to H.R. 5555, has announced that she will not be running for re-election. Again, there are many opportunities to develop and grow relationships and create new champions for our industry.

Regardless of the outcomes of the upcoming election, the time is now for the industry to stand up and be active in elevating our services and our vital role in the healthcare continuum. We can no longer sit on the sidelines and hope for better results, more equitable funding, or a more level regulatory environment. This election cycle cannot be about politics; it must be about policy. By coming together and actively participating in the process, we can make the system better for those we serve, we can create a more equitable healthcare system, and we can all be champions of change.

Mike “Ike” Isaacson is Senior Vice President of Government Relations at VGM & Associates. Reach him at mike.isaacson@vgm.com.

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