NAFEC Holds Successful March Fly-In on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C

On March 6th and 7th, several NAFEC members traveled to Washington, D.C. to highlight policy priorities related freestanding emergency centers and specialty emergency hospitals. The group met with congressional leaders to discuss the flawed implementation of the No Surprises Act and how declining reimbursement threatens access to emergency care. The team also had discussions with policy makers to gain support for the Emergency Care Improvement Act (HR 1694). The group met with House Reps. Rich McCormick, Carol Miller, Larry Bucshon, Jeff Van Drew, and Jodey Arrington, as well as 11 other bipartisan members and staffers from the House Ways & Means Committee, House Education & Workforce Committee, and the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee.

Additionally, NAFEC held a fundraiser for Rep. Dan Crenshaw, who is a supporter of freestanding emergency care and a co-sponsor for H.R. 1694. The gathering allowed NAFEC members to talk with Congressman Crenshaw about our policy priorities. He also shared his insights regarding the 2024 elections and the future of health care in America.

The fly-in was a success and resulted in several new co-sponsors for H.R. 1694, bringing the current total to 21. NAFEC members met with Members of Congress who sit on key committees with healthcare jurisdiction. The team was able to spread awareness regarding the capabilities of freestanding emergency centers and specialty emergency hospitals, educate Members and their staff on the benefits of H.R. 1694, and discuss challenges providers face related to reimbursement and the independent dispute resolution process.