The opening keynote speaker at the 2006 annual NAHC convention in Denver was the Honorable James P. McGovern, member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Massachusetts. Representative McGovern has been a strong advocate for home care, and is introducing a new bill into the congress to protect home health care from harmful cuts in reimbursement that could devastate the industry.

Congressman McGovern made specific referrence to the huge cuts created by the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, and told us that Congress did not intend to cut the home health program to the extent that is was cut. McGovern’s bill in the House will be closely related to a bill being introduced in the Senate by Senator Susan Collins of Maine. Senator Collins will be speaking tomorrow, and we’ll bring you a report on her speech.

Congressman McGovern urged all NAHC members present to go directly to the internet cafe here in the convention center, and send a messasge to their congressman and senators encouraging them to support these upcoming bills to protect home health care.