BAYCARE HEALTH SYSTEM

Medicare/Medicaid

Lobbied in favor of legislative package that would patch the physician fee schedule conversion factor rate cut with a 2.5% patch. Additionally to ensure that uncompensated care pool days can be included in the medicaid fraction of the medicare DSH %. In the FY 2024 IPPS CMS changed a rule that would prevent these days from being included. Discussed this solution with members/staff of the following offices: Buchanan (FL), Luna, Bilirakis, Lee (FL), Castor, Rubio, Scott, Soto, Franklin. Advocated on behalf of the At-HOME Services Act (S. 3756, H.R.7742). To expand hospital-at-home waiver to include observation patients for medicare payment. Ongoing conversations with Senator Rubio's office, Congresswoman Castor's office, and Congressman Buchanan's office in advancing At-HOME Services Act.

TargetedSENATE · HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Health Issues

Advocated against healthcare price transparency provisions within HR 5378 and S 2840 that would provide additionally burdensome reporting to further care sites that will hamper hospital negotiations with payors and require FTEs and excessive hours to satisfy, advocated against SITE neutrality provisions that would limit payment based on originating location of services. Advocated against 340B oversight and transparency provisions that would result in cuts to the program and block savings from benefiting patients in need. Advocated against potential CRAs for the Mental Health Parity and Equity Rule. Advocated for greater scrutiny around parity and prior authorization issues in mental health care. Advocated for 340B DSH language % to include uncompensated care pool days (low income pool days in Florida), or 340B eligibility waiver to not consider DSH langauge % for two years to be included in a healthcare package. Advocated for the inclusion of the SUPPORT Act, Preventing Maternal Deaths Act, PREEMIE Act, and extension of telehealth flexibilities in year end healthcare package.