Rep Beyer staffer visits pediatric clinic that provides therapy in Northern Virginia

Richard Cerros, Community Relations Manager for Rep. Don Beyer (D, VA), was given a tour of the Skills on the Hill pediatric clinic in Arlington, VA by AOTA member Jennifer Coyne, MS, OTR/L, CLC to learn of the challenges faced by the clinic which provides OT, PT and SLP services for clients from birth though age 21. They discussed specific reimbursement issues including recent Tricare claims processing problems which have since been resolved as well as student loan policies which will impact recruitment and the potential that federal cuts to Medicaid will result in cuts to the Virginia Medicaid program.

Cerros noted that Rep. Beyer emphasizes the importance of providing assistance for constituents such as SOTH that have regulatory and/or reimbursement challenges related to federal agencies including CMS, Tricare and others. He was also eager to learn about legislation which AOTA champions that is of importance to OT providers which will have a positive impact on his constituents. Andy Bopp from AOTA staff joined the meeting to provide additional background. Coyne noted that SOTH depends heavily on Tricare given the large presence of military families with children in the area, and delayed reimbursement for whatever reason puts a serious strain on operations. SOTH also has a facility in Washington, DC, and it provides services at 15 schools in the District.

Rep. Beyer is a member of the House Ways and Means Committee which has partial jurisdiction over Medicare policy. His district represents Arlington, Alexandria and other areas in Northern Virginia near Washington, DC.

AOTA members are encouraged to engage with their own Representative if they have specific reimbursement issues and also to advocate for legislative changes in Congress. Reps typically employ case workers to handle specific issues where an agency such as Tricare, the VA or CMS is not responding effectively to specific issues faced by a constituent.