Lifespan Respite Care Reauthorization Act of 2014

Discussed the Suicide Prevention Research Innovation Act (S. 2035). Supported the Mental Health First Aid Act of 2013 (S. 153). Signed on to a letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services asking for all modes of public transportation to announce the Suicide Prevention Lifeline for passengers on World Suicide Prevention Day. United Spinal highlighted improved clinical outcomes for rehabilitative care at in-patient rehab facilities over skilled nursing facilities for individuals with spinal cord injuries and other conditions such as brain injury and stroke. United Spinal discussed the 21st Century Cure initiative of Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI-6th) focusing on patient centered care. United Spinal supports Lifespan Respite Care Reauthorization Act (H.R.4683), a free-standing bill that reauthorizes the Lifespan Respite Care Program at $15 million a year for five years. United Spinal discussed the need to provide clarity and certainty for appropriate, risk-based oversight of health information technology.United Spinal supports HR 3077, the TeleMed Act, which allows Medicare providers licensed in one state to provide telemedicine services to certain Medicare beneficiaries across state lines. CMS has proposed a rule to expand prior authorization for DME affecting power wheelchairs, lower limb prostheses and negative pressure wound therapy. United Spinal is in general support of prior authorization is a process that certifies DME suppliers with CMS before they provide equipment and services to Medicare beneficiaries. United Spinal highlighted improved clinical outcomes for rehabilitative care at in-patient rehab facilities over skilled nursing facilities for individuals with spinal cord injuries and other conditions such as brain injury and stroke. United Spinal supports Ensuring Access to Quality Complex Rehabilitation Technology Act/HR 942/ S 948. which creates a separate benefit under Medicare for customized equipment known as complex rehab technology needed by people with significant disabilities. United Spinal discussed the negative impact capped rental agreements for medical equipment and supplies have on access to equipment for individuals with disabilities. United Spinal supports action on improving benefit designs, including cost-sharing options, and guarantee that there is plan transparency for ACA enrollees. United Spinal discussed the 21st Century Cure initiative of Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI-6th) focusing on patient centered care with Congressional staff. United Spinal discussed ACA enrollment and reenrollment matters with HHS. Discussed state of managed care in NYC for dual eligibles and potential improvements in the short term. United Spinal supports greater transparency in Medicare's competitive acquisition program for DMEPOS program as to how providers are evaluated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and how the health of beneficiaries are being evaluated. United Spinal supports Medicare Demonstration of Coverage for Low Vision Devices Act of 2013 (H.R. 3749) which would establish a demonstration under the Medicare program for coverage of low vision aids. United Spinal supports HR 713/ S. 367 - Medicare Access to Rehabilitation Services Act of 2013 which eliminates therapy caps for rehabilitative services under Medicare without requiring an exceptions process. United Spinal presented recommendations to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services regarding improvements to the Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) rule which was implemented in January 2014. The rule enhances the quality of HCBS, provides additional protections to HCBS program participants, and ensures that individuals receiving services through HCBS programs have full access to the benefits of community living. The letters recommendations include: ensuring transparency throughout the process; maintaining consistency with Olmstead [The Olmstead Supreme Court decision requires states to provide people with disabilities with the most integrated setting appropriate to their needs]; issuing necessary guidance promptly; clarifying consumer rights and ensuring that states properly identify and categorize settings. United Spinal supports the Community Integration Act/S. 2515. The Act would support the rebalancing of policies to ensure individuals with disabilities can leave institutions and live in the setting of their choosing. United Spinal supports HR 4920, the DMEPOS Medicare Improvement Act of 2014 which requires that providers of durable medical equipment, in areas known as competitive bidding areas, must be licensed in the states that they provide equipment and services and must be bound to the contract that they submitted to CMS if they are awarded a contract to provide equipment and services to Medicare beneficiaries. United Spinal discussed and presented recommendations to the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services to proceed with extreme caution when implementing a reimbursement cut in the provision of wound care therapy due to the effects of implementation on beneficiary access to NPWT. Supports making improvements to Medicare trust funds regarding liability settlements.

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: $75,000

Government targets: Defense, Dept of (DOD), Education, Dept of, Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD), Labor, Dept of (DOL), Office of Management & Budget (OMB), Office of Personnel Management (OPM), SENATE, Transportation, Dept of (DOT), White House Office

L-HHS-ED and T-HUD Appropriations for FY 2015, all provisions dealing with human services and employment for person with disabilities and Social Security Administration Limitation on Administrative Expenses (LAE), transportation, housing, and voting. President's FY 2016 budget Request. Discussions relating to block grants, financial alignment models for duals, deficit reduction, employment initiatives, Social Security disability issues, and automatic enforcement mechanisms. Funding for HUD's Section 811 Supportive Housing for Person with Disabilities Program in FY 2015. T-HUD FY 2015 appropriations bills. Funding for the Higher Education Act's transition programs for students with intellectual disabilities (TPSID) and related National Coordinating Center. Funding for the Lifespan Respite Care Act (HR 4683) and National Family Caregiver Support program.

Client expense: $30,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Education, Dept of, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD), Justice, Dept of (DOJ), Labor, Dept of (DOL), Natl Institutes of Health (NIH), Office of Management & Budget (OMB), SENATE, Social Security Administration (SSA), White House Office

Lifespan Respite Care Act Reauthorization (H.R. 4683) Military and Family Caregiver Services Improvement Act (H.R. 4892) Caring for Military Kids with Autism Act (S. 2333).

Client expense: $30,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Education, Dept of, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD), Justice, Dept of (DOJ), Labor, Dept of (DOL), Natl Institutes of Health (NIH), Office of Management & Budget (OMB), SENATE, Social Security Administration (SSA), White House Office