July 3, 2014

Healthcare Supply Chain Leaders Converge in Washington to Discuss Policy and Congressional Action

Alexandria, Va. – More than 60 healthcare supply chain leaders met in Washington, D.C., last week to participate in HIDA’s Healthcare Distribution Summit. The event featured strategic, topical discussions from speakers instrumental in shaping healthcare policy decisions.

A HIDA Lobbying Fly-in preceded the Summit, where distributor and manufacturer attendees held more than 60 meetings with U.S. Congressmen and key Senate and House committee constituents. Meetings covered topics ranging from federal prescription drug pedigree implementation to CMS’s DMEPOS competitive bidding program.

HIDA Vice President of Government Affairs Linda Rouse O’Neill kicked off the Policy Summit, co-sponsored by Covidien and Welch Allyn, calling for continued supply chain participation and interest on key healthcare distribution political issues, such as a repeal of the current 2.3% excise tax on medical devices.

This led to a friendly bipartisan discussion between U.S. Reps. Charlie Dent (R-PA) and Ron Kind (D-WI) with each explaining how they intend to address the industry’s health reform priorities.

Larry Minnix, President & CEO of LeadingAge, provided input on why making progress on aging services is imperative regardless of politics, stating it’s a public benefit that goes beyond medical products delivery.

Former Congressman Jason Altmire, Senior Vice President, Florida Blue, predicted that although opportunities to change health reform may seem far removed, medical device tax repeal will be one of the first actions if the conversation can move forward.

For more information, please visit the Healthcare Distribution Summit web page.