Senator Blanche L. Lincoln blends optimism for home health issues with a disdain for rash promises.

Senator Blanche L. Lincoln (D-Ark) exudes a sincerity that motivated one former executive of AAHomecare to remark, “I think she could be president one day, but I wonder if she is too honest to get elected.” While the nation’s top job may or may not require a bit more guile, those qualities of sincerity have served the senator well in her home state. At 45 years old, Lincoln is in year 2 of her second term. Back in 1998, she became the youngest woman ever elected to the United States Senate.

While the industry should be wary of relying on a few “champions,” it is nice to know that Lincoln has 5 years left in her second term, and her 580,000 votes—the highest total for any US Senate candidate in 2004—is a testament to her popularity. She is a member of the Senate Finance Committee; the Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee; and the Special Committee on Aging; and a founding member of the “Blue Dog” Coalition—a group of moderate House Democrats. As this interview attests, Senator Lincoln knows the issues of HME, but she also takes pains to avoid making promises she can’t keep. She keeps speculation to a minimum, but when she says she will look into the matter, you believe she will do just that. As the industry heads into a defining era, I asked Senator Lincoln about current legislation and her overall view of the HME world.

Greg Thompson, editor of Dealer/Provider:  Have you or your family members had personal experience with home care? If so, how has that shaped your views on the HME/home care industry?

Senator Blanche L. Lincoln (D-Ark): I discovered how critical quality home care can be through my dear father’s long journey with Alzheimer’s disease. The care my father received allowed him the quality of life he deserved in his final days. It also gave my family the reassurance that he was being provided for in the most caring way possible. Caregiving can be an awesome responsibility for an ailing individual’s loved ones. That’s why I have been an advocate for passing legislation supportive of those who need home care and for their caregivers.

Dealer/Provider: According to Invacare’s Cara Bachenheimer, JD, and industry insider David T. Williams, two senators are “poised to introduce legislation similar to HR 3559, the Hobson/Tanner Bill.” Will you sign on and/or support this legislation?  

Lincoln: As many Dealer/Provider readers know, HR 3559 would modify the competitive bidding requirements on items such as diabetic supplies, nebulizers, and wheelchairs that were included in the Medicare Modernization Act (MMA) of 2003—without repealing the overall contracting process. Specifically, HR 3559 would change the contracting process to ensure that beneficiaries do not lose access to DME—and to protect small businesses that provide DME.

Under current law, Medicare will determine reimbursement rates for DME based on a competitive acquisition process. In addition, the MMA limits the number of suppliers that will be awarded Medicare contracts. HR 3559 would allow small businesses that are not awarded a 3-year Medicare contract an alternative means to supply DME products.

Currently, HR 3559 has been referred to the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Dealer/Provider readers should be assured that I will consider this legislation carefully if it reaches the Senate floor. I will also continue to work with my colleagues to ensure that all Americans, especially our seniors, have access to quality and affordable health care.

Dealer/Provider: Yet another important issue for the industry is HR 5513, the Home Oxygen Patient Protection Act which would roll back a provision of the Deficit Reduction Act (DRA). In short, HR 5513 would restore a continuous rental model for oxygen instead of capping rental at 36 months and automatically transferring ownership to the beneficiary. Do you agree with HR 5513 and would you consider sponsoring a companion bill in the Senate if enough momentum is established in the House?

Lincoln: I voted against the DRA and am monitoring its implementation to ensure that it does not negatively affect patient care. I understand that Sen Pat Roberts of Kansas may introduce a companion bill to HR 5513, and I would be willing to consider cosponsoring the legislation. (Note: After this interview, Sen Roberts did introduce this companion legislation.)

Dealer/Provider: Many in the home health care industry view our issues as fundamentally nonpartisan. That is, we believe that a patient who is well managed at home will ultimately avoid expensive hospital care and cost the government far less money in the long run. Do you share this belief? Do you think your colleagues in the Senate share this belief?

Lincoln: Any opportunity to save health care costs is worthy of Congress’ attention. Typically, the budget drives the policy-making process, so it is important to make sure that lawmakers know the cost-effectiveness of home health care.

Dealer/Provider: In March 2004, along with Sen Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Reps Cliff Stearns (R-Fla) and John Lewis (D-Ga), you cofounded the Senate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) caucus. Why did you join this caucus? Do you think that legislators understand the seriousness of COPD? If not, what will it take to increase awareness?

Lincoln: I helped found the Congressional COPD Caucus because I was alarmed at the rising number of COPD patients in America. Currently, an estimated 10 million adults in the United States have been diagnosed with COPD. Emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and other diseases associated with COPD can be among the most debilitating and expensive to treat. I helped found the caucus to draw necessary attention to COPD to more effectively address its causes and effects.

Dealer/Provider: HME providers are inundated with requests to contact their senators and representatives regarding home care issues. Do these calls and letters have an effect on your policy decisions?

Lincoln: Many good policy ideas come directly from my constituents, and I always encourage Arkansans to contact me with any issues of concern. It is important for me to hear from my constituents so that I can work in their best interests. There are many ways to contact your elected officials—phone, e-mail, mail, or fax—and I encourage all individuals to reach out to their members of Congress.

Dealer/Provider: Do you and your colleagues give more weight to the thoughts and opinions of actual home care consumers?

Lincoln: I definitely appreciate the firsthand knowledge and experience home care consumers provide. They offer an important perspective to the caregiving debate.

Dealer/Provider: A former executive of AAHomecare once said to me, “I think Senator Lincoln could be president one day, but I wonder if she is too honest to be elected.” Do you have any presidential aspirations?

Lincoln: I am proud and grateful to represent the people of Arkansas in the United States Senate, and I profess no aspirations to run for president.

Interview conducted by Greg Thompson, editor of Dealer/Provider. Thompson can be reached via e-mail: gthompson@ascendmedia.com, or www.hhcdealer.com.