MPP hot topic at Medtrade

LAS VEGAS - Days after providers submitted bids for Round 2 of competitive bidding, much of the talk at Medtrade Spring centered on the program's potential replacement, the market pricing program (MPP).

At AAHomecare's Washington Update on Wednesday, lobbyist Alex Vogel told show attendees that the Supreme Court's decision about the Affordable Care Act could provide an opportunity for providers to push the alternative program, according to a release from Medtrade.

"Whether the whole thing falls or the Supreme Court strips the (insurance) mandate, we are going to get an opportunity because Congress is going to have to act," said Vogel, a lobbyist with the firm of Mehlman, Vogel, and Castagnetti.

Other possible vehicles for MPP include the expiration of the Bush tax cuts and the "doc fix" bill, say AAHomecare officials.

Medtrade Spring took place April 10-12 at the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas.

Tyler Wilson, president of AAHomecare, told attendees the industry's best hopes lay in grassroots activism.

"I am aware that there is a lot of anger, despair and helplessness in the industry right now," Wilson said. "I think we have a right to feel that way, but you need to channel that in a positive way. Turn it into grassroots activism and make sure to get tour concerns up to Capitol Hill."

On Tuesday, AAHomecare hosted its annual Stand Up for Homecare fundraising reception, which raised $50,000.

Medtrade is set for Oct. 15-18 at Atlanta's Georgia World Conference Center. The next Medtrade Spring is planned for March 19-20, 2012, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas.