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NHIA Policy and Advocacy Team Outlines 2008-09 Legislative Strategy
March 11, 2008
 NHIA Executive Director Russ Bodoff, Outside Legal Counsel Alan Parver, and Vice President of John Magnuson outline the association’s legislative strategy |
Leaders of NHIA’s policy and advocacy team outlined the association’s strategy for securing meaningful Medicare coverage for home infusion therapy. Details of the strategy were outlined by NHIA Executive Director Russell Bodoff, NHIA’s Outside Legal Counsel Alan Parver, and NHIA’s new Vice President of Legislative Affairs John Magnuson during today’s General Session, “Leading With One Common Voice—A Call to Fellowship.”
“Getting our legislation passed is doable, but it’s not going to be easy,” said Bodoff, explaining that the mindset in Washington, DC will largely center around this year’s presidential election and a variety of competing health care initiatives. For that reason, NHIA will operate on a two-year plan.
“Our first goal is to illustrate the favorable policy implications of the proposed NHIA legislation,” explained Bodoff. “Our second goal is to implement various steps to improve our chances of having the legislation approved by the fourth quarter of 2009.”
Although past efforts have been successful in some areas, such as building a strong coalition and gaining support of corporate members, NHIA still lacks the patient stories—especially those of patients who have been harmed by lack of Medicare coverage for home IV therapy—and cost-savings data to make a compelling argument for a Medicare Part D fix. “That just makes it too easy for members of Congress to say no,” Bodoff continued.
“We need to increase the volume of what legislators hear,” added Parver, “by speaking in very real and vivid terms about the potential benefits of home infusion therapy to Medicare beneficiaries, the likelihood that coverage could reduce the risks of hospital-acquired infections, reduce hospital and nursing home expenditures, and be a solution for meeting rural health care needs.”
Under the strategy, NHIA is exploring two options to gain the needed research that will produce data supporting the cost savings and improved clinical outcomes associated with IV therapy provided in the alternate site compared to the hospital or nursing home setting. In addition, grassroots efforts will be essential in telling the very important story of how beneficiaries could be affected by meaningful Medicare coverage.
“The greatest resource we have is you,” said Magnuson of grassroots activity. “How does it all work? Relationships,” he added, encouraging all members to get involved in building relationships with their elected officials. NHIA promises support in the form of information, tools, and experience. For more information on how you can get involved in grassroots activities, click here.
 John Carson, recipient of the NHIA Gene Graves Award for Lifetime Achievement Award |
The Gene Graves Award for Lifetime Achievement was also presented at the General Session. John Carson, a member of NHIA’s founding Board of Directors and longtime supporter of the association, was honored for his contributions over nearly 20 years.
“I’ve seen struggles and challenging times,” said Carson of his experience on the NHIA Board. “I’ve met great volunteer leaders, and can go off the Board feeling good that I’m leaving it in good hands.”