ms TARA CANTY

Lobbied the House and Senate for hospital and physician payment reform. Also lobbied for support of ACO activities and adoption in Medicare.

Lobbied the House and Senate for hospital rate protection. Also lobbied for support of physician payment reform.

Lobbied the House and Senate regarding the impact to OSF Healthcare if Sequestration takes affect.. Also lobbied for support of physician payment reform.

Lobbied the House and Senate to protect Medicare rural extenders and physician payment reform. Specific emphasis was on the extension of Medicare dependent status.

Lobbied the House and Senate for hospital and home care rate protection. Also lobbied for support of physician payment reform.

Lobbied for support of maintaining hospital reimbursement rates and resolving the SGR issue. Also lobbied in support of maintaining home care and hospice reimbursement rates.

Lobbied for support of maintaining hospital reimbursement rates and resolving the SGR issue. Also lobbied in support of extending hospital "add on" rates for rural hospitals.

Lobbied for support of maintaining hospital reimbursement rates and resolving the SGR issue. Also lobbied in support of maintaining home care and hospice reimbursement rates.

Lobbied on behalf of the OSF Healthcare System for improving Medicare physician payment rates, protecting current hospital payment rates and protecting GME reimbursement.

OSF Healthcare System lobbied on behalf of SGR changes, protecting hospital rates in upcoming budget discussions.

OSF Healthcare System lobbyied for FMAP extension and the extension of the Medicare physician payment fix.

OSF Healthcare System lobbied for improved physician payments through 2011 and further. We also lobbied for the extension of the FMAP increase from the Stimulus bill.

OSF Healthcare System requested support for hospital provisions in the health care reform bills. We also asked for support of home health services, specifically support of hospital based home health companies versus for profit companies.

OSF Healthcare System requested support for three projects to be included in appropriations this year: first, the equipment for a new training facility/simulation lab in Peoria, second for equipment for an HQFC in Galesburg and third, equipment for a new simulation lab in Escanaba, MI.

Requested support for 3 appropriations projects: first project is to fund equipment for a simulation lab, partnering with the local community college, in Escanaba, MI, second project is to fund equipment for a simulation lab, partnering with the University of Illinois College of Medicine, in Peoria, IL, third project is to fund equipment for a community FQHC in Galesburg, IL. Also discussed the current state of the health care reform bill. We asked for differentiation to be made between private and hospital based nursing home payments. We asked for support of S. 1171/H.R. 2692 Critical Access Flexibility Act of 2009 to restore the states ability to waive Medicares proximity rules and award CAH status.

OSF Healthcare System lobbied for Federal earmark appropriateions in the FY09 budget for one project. For all of the System we requested $2+ million in federal earmark funding from various federal appropriations bills to support the purichase and installation of an electronic health record system. The total cost of the project is more than $36 million.

OSF Healthcare System requested support of S254 and HR 574, Medicare Home Infusion Therapy Coverage Act of 2009. This would close a gap that currently exists in coverage where the medicines used in infusions to treat serious diseases are covered but not the medical services, supplies or equipment needed tgo deliver the home therapy. OSF Healthcare System also askef for support of the Nursing and Allied Health Education Preservation Act to stop CMS' overreaching in denials of payments to hospital operating nursing schools. We also asked for support of Critical Access Hospitals in future health care legislation, specifically asking that Medicare's proximity rules be waived. We also asked for general support of Medicare and Medicaid funding in future legislation. We asked for Support of conscience provisions if a Freedom of Choice bill were to be introduced.

OSF lobbied Congress on Health care Reform issues - specifically the House reform bill and the Senate reform bill. We asked for support of the following: Support of expansion of the 340B program, Minimize the power of the MAC or super MedPac agency, support nursing education payments, support a "fix" for physician payments under Medicare, increase the FMAP in Illinois, consider torte reform, consider careful timing of the reduction in DSH payments to hospitals, some form ofunder insured/uninsured coverage, support of right to life and no government funding of abortions, and general quality reform issues.

OSF lobbied Congress on Health care Reform issues - specifically the House reform bill and the Senate reform bill. We asked for support of the following: Support of expansion of the 340B program, Minimize the power of the MAC or super MedPac agency, support nursing education payments, support a "fix" for physician payments under Medicare, increase the FMAP in Illinois, consider torte reform, consider careful timing of the reduction in DSH payments to hospitals, some form ofunder insured/uninsured coverage, support of right to life and no government funding of abortions, and general quality reform issues.

OSF Healthcare lobbied against the formation of a Medicare Advisory Committee (MC) The authority proposed lacks accountability to an elected official. It is not independent, by definition it only represents the interests of those appointed to the committee. Demonstration for Tort Reform This type of reform is needed in our state to reduce the costs associated with defensive medicine. Please provide support in the form of a letter to the Secretary of HHS encouraging a Demonstration of this type in our state. Home Health Payment Reform Home Health payments should account for the complexity of the patient. Across the board cuts to home health would devastate home health agencies, especially those who are serving complex, higher risk patients where margins are often negative or break even. Home health is the lowest cost setting for these patients; a reduction of the type currently proposed would result in a dramatic decrease in access to home health services. OSF Healthcare System lobbied for general support of Children's health care services in the Health care reform debate.

The OSF Healthcare System asked for support of the National Trauma Center Stabilization Act (S. 733 or H.R. 936). These bills are intended to provide federal funding ($100 - $125 million) for the core mission, uncompensated care and emergency needs of trauma centers. This legislation would reauthorize the Trauma Care Grant Program. We also asked for support of preserving Hospice services and rates. We specifically asked our Legislators to sign on to a letter to be sent to the President in support of Hospice. We asked our Legislators to support the "fix" of the Medicare physician fee schedules and the SRG formula. This fix is necessary to assure the continued access to physician services in our communities. We addressed our concerns over the instability of physician reimbursement and the difficulty of recruiting physicians to central Illinois; and, the proposal to increase the usage of Radiology Benefit Managers that are cumbersome, costly and are not quality driven. We asked our Legislators to protect Home Care services. The Presidents budget calls for significant cuts to Home Health reimbursement. Hospital based and affiliated Home Health is NOT operating at high margins and will sustain significant losses if reimbursement is reduced as much as 5.5% from 2009 rates. This will create significant access issues in all markets, more significantly in rural markets. This may also contribute to increased readmission rates, higher cost of post acute care and a decline in the quality of post acute care. We asked our Legislators to generally support our communities, hospitals and providers in the upcoming Health care reform discussions.

OSF Healthcare System lobbied for Federal earmark appropriateions in the FY09 budget for one project. For all of the System we requested $2+ million in federal earmark funding from various federal appropriations bills to support the purichase and installation of an electronic health record system. The total cost of the project is more than $36 million.

OSF Healthcare System asked for support in fighting any card check legislation introduced. We feel that this would provide a venue for labor organizors to misrepresent employees.

OSF Healthcare System requested support of S254 and HR 574, Medicare Home Infusion Therapy Coverage Act of 2009. This would close a gap that currently exists in coverage where the medicines used in infusions to treat serious diseases are covered but not the medical services, supplies or equipment needed tgo deliver the home therapy. OSF Healthcare System also askef for support of the Nursing and Allied Health Education Preservation Act to stop CMS' overreaching in denials of payments to hospital operating nursing schools. We also asked for support of Critical Access Hospitals in future health care legislation, specifically asking that Medicare's proximity rules be waived. We also asked for general support of Medicare and Medicaid funding in future legislation. We asked for Support of conscience provisions if a Freedom of Choice bill were to be introduced.

We asked our entire delegation for support of an FMAP increase to be added to any economic stimulous bill that may be proposed and passed. Illinois is at the minimum for FMAP, the Illinois Medicaid program is without funds to pay providers and the State is in dire need of additional funding to support the Medicaid program. We also asked for support of maintaining Medicare reimbursement to hospital based nursing schools.

We asked our entire delegation for support of an FMAP increase to be added to any economic stimulous bill that may be proposed and passed. Illinois is at the minimum for FMAP, the Illinois Medicaid program is without funds to pay providers and the State is in dire need of additional funding to support the Medicaid program. We also asked for support of maintaining Medicare reimbursement to hospital based nursing schools.

We asked our entire delegation for support of an FMAP increase to be added to any economic stimulous bill that may be proposed and passed. Illinois is at the minimum for FMAP, the Illinois Medicaid program is without funds to pay providers and the State is in dire need of additional funding to support the Medicaid program. We also asked for support of maintaining Medicare reimbursement to hospital based nursing schools.

We sought congressional support for HR5174, a bill to restore Medicare funding for Nursing Education. We own two hospital based nursing colleges in Illinois. Implementation of CMS regulations reduces funding for these programs by more than 50%. With current nursing shortages, this funding needs to be restored. We also sought support for increasing the Illinois FMAP in an economic Stimulous bill. This will add funding to our State Medicaid.

OSF Healthcare System lobbied for support of equitable Medicare and Medicaid funding, including a physician payment fix, HR6331. This eliminates the physician payment decrease and implements a nominal payment increase. OSF Helathcare System lobbied for support of HR5174 in the House, preserving funding to hospital based Nursing Colleges. We also asked for future support/action from the Senators. OSF Healthcare System lobbied for support of the Medicaid moritorium that ultimately was included in the Iraq spending bill. THis placed a moritorium on 6 CMS rules that significantly reduced Medicaid payments.

OSF Healthcare System lobbied for support of our earmark requests for 2009. This request is for $1million to support a hospice hospital in the Peoria, IL area and a $2+million request for funds for all of our facilities in Illinois and Michigan to support the installation of an Electronic Health Record.

OSF Healthcare System lobbied for federal earmark appropriations in the FY09 budget for two projects. For all of the OSF Healthcare System and it's affiliates in Illinois and Escanaba, we requested $2+million in federal earmark funding from various federal appropriations bills to support he purchase and installation of an electronic health record. Total cost of the project is in excess of $36million. In the Peoria area, the OSF Healthcare System requested $1 million in federal earmark funding from various federal appropriations bills to build a free standing hospice home in the Peoria area. The total cost of the project is more than $6million.

OSF Healthcare System lobbied very hard to support HR5613, new legislation to put a moratorium on new CMS regulations affecting Medicaid GME and other Medicaid reimbursement. OSF Healthcare System lobbied to support HR5174, new legislation to support nursing colleges affiliated with ho0spitals. New CMS regulations would cut much needed funding to these hospitals, this legislation stops these regulations and preserves the funding. OSF Helathcare System lobbied both the House and the Senate to develop legislation to "fix" the physician payment problem, eliminating the physician payment decresase that is scheduled for July 1, 2008. OSF Healthcare System lobbied for support in developing legislation to improve the RAC process currently in place through HHS. OSF Healthcare System lobbied a variety of Medicare and Medicaid issues in the Presidents proposed budget.

OSF Healthcare System lobbied for federal earmark appropriations in the FY09 budget for two projects. For all of the OSF Healthcare System and it's affiliates in Illinois and Escanaba, we requested $2+million in federal earmark funding from various federal approriations bills to support the purchase and installation of a electronic health record. Total cost of the project is more than $36 million. In the Peoria area, the OSF Healthcare System requested $1 million in federal earmark funding from various federal appropriations bills to build a free standing Hospice Home in the Peoria area. The total cost of the project is more than $6 million.

OSF Healthcare System lobbied very hard to support HR5613, new legislation to put a Moratorium on new CMS regulations affecting Medicaid GME and other Medicaid reimbursement. OSF Healthcare System lobbied to support HR 5174, new legislation to support nursing colleges affiliated with hospitals. New CMS regulations would cut much needed funding to these hospitals, this legislation stops these regulations and preserves the funding. OSF Healthcare System lobbied both the House and the Senate to develop legislation to "fix" the physician payment problem, eliminating the physician payment decrease that is scheduled for July 1, 2008. OSF Healthcare System lobbied for support in developing legislation to improve the RAC process currently in place through HHS. OSf Healthcare System lobbied a variety of Medicare and Medicaid issues in the Presidents proposed budget.

OSF Healthcare System lobbied very hard to support HR5613, new legislation to put a Moratorium on new CMS regulations affecting Medicaid GME and other Medicaid reimbursement. OSF Healthcare System lobbied to support HR 5174, new legislation to support nursing colleges affiliated with hospitals. New CMS regulations would cut much needed funding to these hospitals, this legislation stops these regulations and preserves the funding. OSF Healthcare System lobbied both the House and the Senate to develop legislation to "fix" the physician payment problem, eliminating the physician payment decrease that is scheduled for July 1, 2008. OSF Healthcare System lobbied for support in developing legislation to improve the RAC process currently in place through HHS. OSf Healthcare System lobbied a variety of Medicare and Medicaid issues in the Presidents proposed budget.

OSF Healthcare System lobbied for federal earmark appropriations in the FY09 budget for two projects. For all of the OSF Healthcare System and it's affiliates in Illinois and Escanaba, we requested $2+million in federal earmark funding from various federal approriations bills to support the purchase and installation of a electronic health record. Total cost of the project is more than $36 million. In the Peoria area, the OSF Healthcare System requested $1 million in federal earmark funding from various federal appropriations bills to build a free standing Hospice Home in the Peoria area. The total cost of the project is more than $6 million.

Medicare and Medicaid funding for health care services. Medicare and Medicaid policy for delivery of health care, health care operational issues, and quality of care issues. We also may lobby for specific budgeted earmarks in the annual Federal Budget. We may also lobby issues related to Medicare Advantage programs, general insurance coverage for health care, and labor union issues related to health care staffing.

Medicare and Medicaid funding for health care services. Medicare and Medicaid policy for delivery of health care, health care operational issues, and quality of care issues. We also may lobby for specific budgeted earmarks in the annual Federal Budget. We may also lobby issues related to Medicare Advantage programs, general insurance coverage for health care, and labor union issues related to health care staffing.

Medicare and Medicaid funding for health care services. Medicare and Medicaid policy for delivery of health care, health care operational issues, and quality of care issues. We also may lobby for specific budgeted earmarks in the annual Federal Budget. We may also lobby issues related to Medicare Advantage programs, general insurance coverage for health care, and labor union issues related to health care staffing.

Medicare and Medicaid funding for health care services. Medicare and Medicaid policy for delivery of health care, health care operational issues, and quality of care issues. We also may lobby for specific budgeted earmarks in the annual Federal Budget. We may also lobby issues related to Medicare Advantage programs, general insurance coverage for health care, and labor union issues related to health care staffing.

OSF opposed H.R.1800 "Employee Free Choice Act" which would have allowed individual emplopyees to be pressured by unions in their efforts to organize.

proposed cuts by the Congress to Medicare Advantage Plans. We lobbied in opposition to rate freezes proposed for Home Health Services, and also against Part B physician fees scheduled to be cut by <10%>. We lobbied in opposition to the proposed elimination of "Medicare Beneficiary Bad Debts", when these senior citizens are too poor to pay their deductibles and copayments. We lobbied in support of fully funding the FDA budget at the $2 billion level in order to meet their general operational requirements, and expecially their Rx drug oversight responsibilities. We successfully lobbied the IRS to make a variety of changes in their proposed revision of the annual 990 Report filed by non- profit organizations, particularly Schedule H. We also lobbied in opposition to the establishment of a minimum national charity standard to be set at 5% as proposed by several key Congressional Leaders. We opposed provisions in the original S1300 which would have put new user fees and surcharges on medical helicopters. We lobbied for support of S.2319 for the continued future of trauma care and prevention of future trauma center closings. OSF Healthcare System lobbied very hard to support legislation to reauthorize and expand the Supplemental Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). HR 976 and S1893. OSF lobbied a variety of Medicare and Medicaid issues in the President's proposed FY2008 Federal budget. We lobbied against proposed cuts to hospital inflation updates, and to a proposed behavioral offset to per case rates. We lobbied in opposition to

Lobbied for a $1 million FY2008 federal budget earmark appropriation for OSF St. Mary's Medical Center, Galesburg, IL to renovate & expand their ICU. Lobbied for a $750,000 FY2008 federal budget earmark appropriation for OSF St. Francis Hospital, Escanaba, MI to expand & remodel their ED.

Opposed FY08 budget cuts to Medicare in new CMS regulations. Opposed new regulations by CMS that would negatively impact OSFHP local Medicare Advantage Program. Supported the 1 year Medicaid Moratorium on changes included in the Iraq War Funding bill. Opposed the Employee Free Choice Act, HR 800. Opposed new medical helicopter user fees included in S.1300.