Stakeholders tap MAGA-affiliated firms in $3M bid to delay competitive bidding policy

WASHINGTON – The proposed next round of competitive bidding, which industry stakeholders have been told is being driven by the highest levels of the administration, is not the same program and can’t be fought in the same way, they say.  

That’s why AAHomecare has launched a $3 million campaign to engage in lobbying, earned media like opinion pieces, and polling—this time partnering with firms affiliated with the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement. 

“Our traditional lobbying efforts and coalition have been fairly successful, but this is a unique administration,” said Tom Ryan, president and CEO of AAHomecare. “Due to that and the challenges that creates, we need people who have access to the White House’s inner circle.” 

At press time, AAHomecare had committed $2 million of its own funds, raised another $850,000 from larger members like VGM & Associates, and was seeking at least $200,000 more from other members and stakeholders. 

The goal: a fast and aggressive campaign to convince government officials to delay a final rule for the competitive bidding program expected in November. 

A shift in lobbying tactics 

AAHomecare believes the proposed rule isn’t originating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) or even the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Instead, they point to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which have prioritized reducing spending, fraud and abuse. 

“This is a challenge we haven’t faced before,” said Jay Witter, senior vice president of public policy for AAHomecare. “The previous work on competitive bidding – we knew it was coming from career staff at CMS. Every meeting that we’ve had has solidified that that’s not the case. So, we’re doing what we’ve done before, but we’re looking at strategic efforts to get to the highest level.” 

Competitive bidding vs. fraud prevention: The industry’s argument 

Stakeholders aim to clarify that competitive bidding is not a direct solution to fraud and abuse. 

“Competitive bidding is not a tool for fraud and abuse like they continue to talk about,” Ryan said. “We need better guardrails and better technology, including machine learning and artificial intelligence, to stop the pay and chase.” 

Instead, they argue the program will reduce the number of suppliers—triggering a domino effect of limited access to care, increased outsourcing, and reduced competition and innovation. Past rounds of the program, they say, have not guaranteed savings. 

“It does not support the things they want,” Ryan said. 

Industry leaders mobilize nationwide education effort 

While ramping up their campaign, stakeholders are also working to prepare providers for what could be a new reality. At press time, Ike Issacson, senior vice president of government and regulatory relations for VGM, was on an eight-week, 12-state tour to educate providers and lawmakers on the proposed rule and its potential consequences. 

“This proposed rule is so different,” he said. “It’s not just something we’ve been through before. While there are a lot of similarities, there are a lot of differences, like limiting the number of suppliers who can service an area and increasing re-accreditation to every year. Those can be very damaging to the industry.” 

How to support the campaign 

Whether through financial contributions or direct lobbying, stakeholders say it’s time for collective action. 

“We have to be in battle in the arena,” Ryan said. “We have to be bloodied and marred with sweat and blood. That’s what it’s going to take.” 

• Go here to support AAHomecare’s campaign.