AHCA/NCAL: Working with New Congress Best for LTC

In a statement following the Democratic drubbing of Republicans on Nov. 3 and the party’s impending takeover of control of Congress in January, the American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) said it is ready to get to work on the sector’s priorities with the new Congress. 

"On behalf of the long-term care profession, we extend our congratulations to the newly elected and returning members of Congress. AHCA/NCAL has a long history of working with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, and we look forward to partnering on meaningful ways to support those who live and work in America’s long term-care facilities,” said Clif Porter, president and CEO of AHCA/NCAL.

He said, “Our nation’s growing elderly population requires an innovative and collaborative approach to help strengthen long-term care. Skilled nursing and assisted living communities continue to make great progress, but there is a better way than our current system. AHCA/NCAL is committed to delivering and advancing common sense solutions that drive quality improvement, empower caregivers, and put residents first.”

Further, Porter said the incoming 120th Congress has an opportunity to address current challenges while supporting the future of care.

“Whether ensuring sustainable funding, helping us build the caregivers for tomorrow, holding large Medicare Advantage insurers accountable, or encouraging care innovation and integration, these nonpartisan policies stand to benefit our residents and the entire healthcare system. We are eager to work with the incoming Congress to ensure America’s seniors and individuals with disabilities can access the high-quality care they deserve." 

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Lame-Duck Work

In a related note, the association published a blog declaring that work continues on AHCA/NCAL’s legislative priorities during the year-end “lame-duck” session.

Priorities include:

-          The Ensuring Seniors’ Access to Quality Care Act (S. 4467/H.R. 7096), known as the CNA Lockout bill, would help SNFs resume and improve in-house certified nursing assistant training programs halted because of civil monetary penalties unrelated to quality of care.  

-          Medicare Advantage also remains a key legislative priority for AHCA/NCAL. The Medicare Advantage Improvement Act (S. 4384/H.R. 8375), would strengthen beneficiary protections while addressing concerns with prior authorization and payment practices. The Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act (S. 1816/H.R. 3514), is another priority for year-end action. The bill has advanced through markups in the House Ways and Means and Energy and Commerce Committees, the association said.

-          The Improving Access to Medicare Coverage Act (S. 4641/H.R.3954), known as the Observation Stay bill, would protect beneficiary access to covered post-acute care by counting hospital observation days toward Medicare’s three-day qualifying hospital stay. “We should continue pressing Congress to include this legislation among its year-end priorities,” the blog said. 

Comments or questions? Contact Patrick Connole at pconnole@parkplacelive.com.