Why It Matters

The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys Inc. (NAELA) has terminated its lobbying relationship with McDermottPlus LLC, effective August 31, according to a filing released this week.

By The Numbers

McDermottPlus LLC reported $30,000 in lobbying fees for the quarter one 2026 engagement with National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys Inc. and $30,000 in lobbying fees on the quarter three 2026 termination filing for National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys Inc.

The firm worked for larger clients including the Rural Referral Center and Sole Community Hospital Coalition, which paid $330,000 across five filings, and Ascension, Association for Community Affiliated Plans, and Connections Health Solutions LLC, each paying $280,000 across five filings. McDermottPlus is a 12-year-old operation that combined health policy consulting, reimbursement strategy, data analytics, and lobbying.

Broader Context

NAELA's lobbying agenda centered on health care policy with a focus on Medicare and Medicaid. The firm specifically worked on retirement issues and matters related to the Older Americans Act. More narrowly, NAELA's advocacy priorities included Special Needs Trusts, including the Special Needs Trust Fairness Act.

Approximately 1.3 million people are living under guardianship in the United States, a population that intersects with NAELA's policy focus on elder law and vulnerable adults.

McDermottPlus assigned multiple lobbyists to the NAELA account. Rodney Whitlock, a Vice President at the firm, brought experience from the Senate Finance Committee, where he worked during the 112th, 113th, and 114th Congresses. He also had prior member experience with Rep. Charles Norwood (R-GA-10). Josh Jorgensen, a Director at McDermottPlus, had prior member experience with Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD). Amy Kelbick and Debbie Curtis also worked on the account.

The Bottom Line

McDermottPlus LLC filed a quarter one 2026 lobbying disclosure report for National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys Inc. on April 10.

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