Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/45026
14 News 'There really is a pox on both houses. The electorate is angry.' BY THERESA FLAHERTY, Managing Editor WASHINGTON – While lobbying law- makers is nothing new for HME stakeholders, the 2012 election cycle promises to be different. That's because a lagging eco- nomic recovery and a high unem- ployment rate have many Ameri- cans saying enough is enough, stakeholders say. "In no other time has the elec- torate been this mad at their own congressman," said John Gallagh- er, vice president of government relations for The VGM Group. "Whether they are Republicans or Democrats, there is really a pox on both houses. The elector- ate is angry." What that means: Lawmakers may forgo the traditional "town hall" style meetings of the past, WWW.HMENEWS.COM / NOVEMBER 2011 / HME NEWS Election season offers opportunity in favor of smaller, friendlier set- tings, stakeholders say. As a result, HME providers should focus on hosting meet- and-greet events at their compa- nies, Gallagher said. "It's a selective audience with particular topics, rather than a town hall where the opposition shows up and screams and yells," he said. It's also important to approach lawmakers already in office and those seeking office, Gallagher said. "Make sure we are not talking to just the existing Congress, but the next guy in," he said. Indeed, with anti-incumbent sentiment high, stakeholders pre- dict there will be a lot of turmoil over the next few election cycles. "There are going to be many new faces in Washington," said Expect turmoil at the polls over the next few election cycles, as anti-incumbent sentiment runs high Walt Gorski, vice president of gov- ernment affairs for AAHomecare. "I think one-third to a half will not be here in four to six years. That's always challenging, but it cre- ates opportunity to talk to people about the value of home care and what we do." HME WELLPOINT CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10 jurisdiction over WellPoint, at first blush, it would seem HQAA and The Compliance Team and their accredited providers don't have a leg to stand on. But consider this: What about Medicare benefi- ciaries who buy supplemen- tal plans from commercial insurers to help with 20% co-pays? "The story here is: The provider is following all the rules put forth by the MMA, then here comes this supple- mental plan that says you only have three choices, not 10," Canally said. "So the tail is wagging the dog." Both HQAA and The Com- pliance Team have contacted WellPoint. They've also had providers write letters to the health commissioner in Georgia and to lawmakers, and had meetings with law- makers. "We've been hitting this at many different levels," Canally said. "WellPoint has said they're re-evaluating the requirement, so we're wait- ing for their latest read at this point." HME