Why It Matters

Sevita, the home and community-based services provider, has terminated its contract with McDermottPlus LLC after five years of representation.

McDermottPlus LLC conducted lobbying on behalf of Sevita from 2021 through mid-2026.

By The Numbers

The contract termination represents a modest portion of McDermottPlus's overall client base, though the firm had expanded its team on the Sevita account in 2025, adding Josh Jorgensen and Maddie News to the existing roster of Rodney Whitlock, Katie Waldo, Debbie Curtis, and Kayla Holgash.

The company has spent $170,000 on lobbying over the past four quarters and is now represented by OnMessage Public Strategies. Sevita has engaged multiple firms throughout its advocacy efforts, having worked with Mason Street Consulting LLC and Venn Strategies LLC on Medicaid and Health and Human Services issues in 2021.

Broader Context

Medicaid is the predominant payer for Sevita's intellectual and developmental disability and home and community-based services. The new law includes an estimated $911 billion reduction in federal Medicaid spending between 2025 and 2034, representing roughly a 14% reduction in federal Medicaid funding. According to KFF, H.R. 1 makes significant changes to Medicaid eligibility and financing. Justice in Aging has characterized the law as curbing access to Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) by tightening eligibility requirements for assets and reducing funding for the program. The Medicare Rights Center argued that H.R. 1 may force many or all states to cut optional Medicaid services or eligibility, with HCBS being of particular concern.

Sevita's lobbying priorities shifted substantially over its relationship with McDermottPlus. The firm initially focused on specific legislation, including HR 1868 (Medicare sequestration delay) in the first and second quarters of 2021, HR 1319 (American Rescue Plan Act of 2021) in the second quarter of 2021, and HR 3684 (Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act) across the third and fourth quarters of 2021 and into the first quarter of 2022. From second quarter 2022 onward, Sevita's lobbying shifted away from specific named bills toward broader issues of Medicare, Medicaid, HCBS, and the healthcare workforce.

The Bottom Line

McDermottPlus had assembled a team with substantial congressional experience for the Sevita account. Rodney Whitlock, who served as Vice President at the firm, has prior experience with Rep. Charles Norwood (R-GA-10) and served as Health Policy Director on the Senate Finance Committee. Debbie Curtis, a Principal at McDermottPlus, served as a Professional Staff Member on the Health Subcommittee of the House Ways and Means Committee. Josh Jorgensen, a Director at the firm, has prior experience with Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD).

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