Why it Matters

Andes Medical Care is entering federal lobbying for the first time. The healthcare organization registered Armory Hill Advocates in July 2024 for the 2025 activity year. This marks their initial foray into Washington advocacy as Congress debates major Medicare reforms.

By the Numbers

  • Lobbying Team:
  • External firm: Armory Hill Advocates
  • Lead lobbyist: Jon Brooks Rawlson
  • Internal lobbying: None disclosed
  • Historical spending: First-time lobbying client, no previous expenditures
  • Issue focus: Medicare and Medicaid exclusively

Broader Context

Healthcare organizations face immediate financial pressure from a 2.93% Medicare physician payment cut that took effect January 1, 2025. This largest single cut in years affects all Medicare providers. Meanwhile, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is exploring removing the American Medical Association’s role in determining Medicare payment rates. CMS could take direct control of physician payment decisions under his reform agenda.

The Agenda

Andes Medical Care is lobbying solely on Medicare and Medicaid issues. The registration doesn’t specify particular legislation or policy priorities. Their timing coincides with congressional consideration of multiple healthcare reforms, including Medicare payment transparency, site-neutral reimbursement, and remote monitoring expansion.

<h2Healthcare providers across the industry face the same Medicare payment pressures. Many are likely engaging in similar advocacy efforts during this period of policy uncertainty.

Between The Lines

Congress is actively debating significant Medicare changes. The Patients Deserve Price Tags Act (S.2355) would require hospitals to disclose negotiated rates publicly. The Medicare for All Act (H.R.3069) could eliminate Medicare Advantage programs entirely. House Ways & Means held hearings on Medicare Advantage overpayments and prior authorization delays. The Senate Finance Committee questioned Dr. Mehmet Oz’s CMS nomination about modernizing coverage decisions.

The Bottom Line

Andes Medical Care’s lobbying debut reflects industry-wide concern about Medicare policy changes. Their focused approach on Medicare/Medicaid issues suggests targeted advocacy aligned with core business interests. Success depends on navigating complex healthcare policy debates and building coalitions with similarly positioned organizations.

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