Skilled nursing launches campaign to influence 'doc fix'

Skilled nursing facilities are launching a new campaign to avoid cuts and offer policy proposals ahead of Congress's debate over the next fix for Medicare doctor payments. The American Health Care Association (AHCA), which represents nursing homes, assisted living facilities and other subacute care providers, is blanketing Washington in multimedia advertisements starting Monday to shore up its position ahead of deliberations. "As the doc fix fight heats up again this year, skilled nursing and rehab providers stand ready to help Congress find a permanent solution," said AHCA President Mark Parkinson in a statement.