Practice Areas

Submitted by Jessica on August 26, 2009 - 11:03

HEALTH CARE

C. Stewart Verdery, Andrew Howell, Jessica Herrera-Flanigan, Timothy E. Punke, Scott Corley, Rich Thomas, Jane Alonso, Lora Ries, and Ryan Spangler

Health care has emerged as one of the most critical issues facing our nation today. Concerns about quality, cost, and coverage are driving the need for systemic reform. Millions of Americans are uninsured, premiums and per patient spending are rising at rapid rates, and quality is uneven or below average on rating indicators. In addition, an aging population and structural problems with entitlement programs are creating a looming fiscal crisis that must be addressed by policymakers. At the same time, Americans are nervous about the impact and cost of sweeping reform. President Obama has made health care reform a centerpiece of his Administration’s agenda. Industry groups are at the table and engaged with policymakers over solutions. And Congress has responded by drafting legislation that is being rigorously debated in both chambers. Health care policy and health care legislation will be a top agenda item for years to come.

Monument Policy Group is well positioned to ensure that our clients’ voices are heard not only as this challenging and chaotic reform process continues, but also in upcoming discussions over the future of Medicare and Medicaid. We have represented a range of key players with health care interests, from trade groups to providers to drug manufacturers. We specialize in providing our clients with insights to better understand the unfolding debate and helping to ensure that their interests are clearly heard and addressed.

Health care policy advocacy requires a comprehensive effort – with Congress and the Administration, with associations and think tanks, and in the media. Monument’s team includes experts to help navigate the many aspects of the health policy debate.

Monument’s team has experience and key relationships with health care leaders in Congress. Monument’s partners include Tim Punke, who worked for four years for the Senate Finance Committee and Chairman Max Baucus (D-MT), where he advised Senator Baucus and other members of the committee on all aspects of the committee’s international and economic agenda. In addition, from 1999-2000, Tim served at the White House National Economic Council. Since rejoining the private sector in 2004, Tim has played a key role on a wide range of health care issues. Monument’s bipartisan team also includes Stewart Verdery, whose six years on Capitol Hill included work for two members of the Senate Finance Committee – current Health Subcommittee Ranking Member Orrin Hatch (R-UT), and former Assistant Majority Leader Don Nickles (R-OK).

Monument also has key relationships with the Senate centrists and the House Ways and Means Committee. As former Legislative Director to Senator Susan Collins, Vice President Jane Alonso developed and implemented a legislative agenda on a broad range of issues, including health care, and was a co-founder of and active participant in the Senate Bipartisan Legislative Directors Group. Before joining Monument in 2008, Senior Vice President Rich Thomas served as Legislative Director to Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ), where he oversaw the congressman’s health care work as a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, specializing in such issues as broadening the reach of the Children’s Health Insurance Program and tackling the physician payment system in Medicare.

We maintain close relationships not only with key congressional committees such as Senate Finance and HELP and House Ways and Means and Energy and Commerce, but also with the multitude of federal agencies with responsibility over healthcare delivery, such as the Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the Food and Drug Administration, Office of Management and Budget Agency and the Congressional Budget Office. In addition, we work closely with the economic, legislative, and health care leadership for the new Administration in the White House.

Monument’s comprehensive approach includes work with associations, think tanks, and the media. We have helped clients position themselves with Washington thought leaders, and helped drive positive media coverage on a range of health care issues. Monument’s efforts in this area are led by partner Andrew Howell, who spent ten years working in a number of leadership capacities at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the world’s largest business federation, where he worked with a range of business leaders to shape legislation and regulation on a variety of economic fronts, including health care. Andrew’s experience also includes worked for a boutique public relations firm.

REPRESENTATIVE MATTERS

Provided intelligence, analysis, and advocacy related to health care reform legislation for a broad range of corporate clients – including health care providers, insurers, biopharmaceutical manufacturers, retailers, and the technology industry.

Improved and expanded the Washington presence of a regional health provider -- helping them to become a leading voice in the heath care debate and helping to drive positive media coverage in both national and inside-the-beltway publications.

Advocated for a world leader in the software industry regarding issues related to health information technology and health technology mandates.

Advocated for a leading interactive gaming association regarding the health benefits of fitness related games.

Engaged members of key committees to publically support legislation designed to preserve incentives for the creation of new biotechnology products.

Helped major association advocate for tax incentives for small and startup companies producing innovative biopharmaceuticals.

SELECT CLIENTS

Among the clients Monument Policy Group has represented in the health care area are Group Health Cooperative, Microsoft, PhRMA, Eli Lilly, and the Biotechnology Industry Organization.