Why It Matters

Telehealth policies are at the center of Sword Health’s inaugural federal lobbying effort. The company aims to directly influence Medicare and Medicaid payment policy at a critical juncture. The firm retained Tarplin, Downs & Young LLC—marking Sword Health’s first-ever lobbying engagement—as Congress actively considers legislation that could reshape digital health reimbursement.

Most notably, the Access to Prescription Digital Therapeutics Act would establish a new Medicare and Medicaid coverage category potentially benefiting Sword Health’s virtual physical therapy platform. The company also faces a critical deadline: telehealth flexibilities expire October 2025, threatening its core business model unless Congress acts.

By the Numbers

Sword Health Inc. retained Tarplin, Downs & Young LLC on April 30, 2024, focusing specifically on Medicare and Medicaid policy issues.

The lobbying team consists of three registered advocates:

  • Charlotte Spears Ivancic: Over a decade of lobbying experience representing major pharma and device companies. Previously served 11+ years on Capitol Hill as Legislative Counsel to Senator Jim DeMint and Counsel/Budget Analyst for the House Budget Committee.

  • Emily Henehan Murry: Lobbying since 2019 with expertise in Medicare/Medicaid and drug pricing. Former Staff Director for the Health Subcommittee of the House Ways and Means Committee.

  • Peter Rector Fise: Lobbying since 2013 with focus on medical devices and healthcare providers. Former Health Counsel for the Senate Finance Committee.

The Agenda

Sword Health is lobbying on Medicare and Medicaid policy for its virtual physical therapy platform. Key legislative priorities include:

Broader Context

Congress is actively reshaping federal health policy around digital therapeutics and telehealth. Musculoskeletal conditions affect more than half of American adults and generate over $420 billion annually in healthcare costs, yet as many as 50% don’t get needed treatment. This care gap is intensified by a looming physical therapist shortage—nearly one-fourth of the PT workforce will reach age 65 in the next decade.

The bipartisan Access to Prescription Digital Therapeutics Act would establish a new Medicare and Medicaid coverage category for prescription digital therapeutics. Additionally, Medicare’s temporary telehealth flexibilities face expiration in October 2025, creating urgency for Congressional action.

The Bottom Line

Sword Health has hired experienced lobbyists to influence Medicare and Medicaid policy for its virtual physical therapy platform. The company’s priorities align with active congressional efforts to expand telehealth flexibilities and establish reimbursement for prescription digital therapeutics.