Several board members traveled to Washington D.C. to attend the 2020 NAHU Capitol Conference February 23 - 26. The North Carolina delegation assembled from chapters across the state and we shared some very real concerns with our representatives in both houses of Congress. North Carolina is always very well represented at Capitol Conference and this year was no exception.
Meredith Tidwell, Charlotte Harvey, Jason McKito, and Drew Hollingsworth met with Senator Richard Burr and with Representatives Alma Adams, Dan Bishop, Virginia Foxx, and Patrick McHenry. All members of Congress, and their respective staff, were very well versed in healthcare and the issues we are facing across the country and in North Carolina. Drew Hollingsworth also met with Representative Ralph Norman (SC District 7).
The North Carolina delegation focused on four main points:
- Medicare For All / Single Payer / Public Option (NAHU opposes)
- Surprise Billing Legislation (NAHU supports)
- Identifying COBRA as creditable coverage for Medicare (NAHU supports)
- Allowing HSA contributions past age 65 (NAHU supports)
During our discussion with Senator Burr's staff, we discussed the four separate bills on surprise billing that exist currently in various committees. Senator Burr is confident that a compromised version of the four bills will pass as a result of the May 22 deadline tied to many healthcare policies.
All representatives that board members met with felt confident that they would be able to support legislation around surprise billing. The stories we shared from clients and policyholders that we represent in business had a very real impact on their decision and created urgency in our discussion.
Attending Capitol Conference is one of the best ways to support the Charlotte Chapter and take action in our industry. If you have interest in joining us next year, please reach out to a board member. We would love to have you join us on the Hill in 2021!
