Comments From Attendees to the AAHomecare Legislative Conference 

I participated in the AAHomecare Legislative Conference because I will not go down letting CMS and Congress destroy our businesses.  I felt that we got our points across to Congress and they heard us loud and clear. Charles Wadick Air-Care Home Health Easley, SC   My first trip to DC was a great one. The AAHomecare meeting was enlightening and it was a great chance to meet and talk to other dealers from all over the country and see what they are doing to get ready for competitive bidding. I learned a couple of things that we are going to implement that should make us more efficient and ready to bid. While on the HILL, we had great responses from everyone we met with. Although our issues were “budget neutral” this time, I think that it was a great relationship building experience for me. I look forward to further talks with our lawmakers and their assistants. We have a great organization and all the folks from South Carolina that went have a stronger bond because of the experience. I am looking forward to the next trip! Michael Purcell Reliable Medical Equipment Charleston, SC Last year as a rookie AAHC member and participant in the fly-in, I was quite frustrated with the lack of knowledge and commitments from our different offices.  WE didn’t get too far with our actual trip last year…but we started something and various members stayed with the efforts throughout the year up to this year’s visits. Although all visits were not a homerun, I believe that the reception and influence of our visits this year were much more effective in most of the offices.  Additionally, the awareness of those we were going to visit (with one exception) were much greater with regards to our industry’s operation; that is, one of a service industry and not a commodity industry.  However, I’m still overwhelmed at how much our legislators and their staff are pressured from our industry, other industries, and the plight of individuals on a daily basis.  I truly don’t know how they do what they do.  It was rewarding to actually see that our visits truly educated them and that common sense may actually prevail.  Round 1 seems to be too far along to halt but there does seem to be enough merit to halting Round 2 until the true benefits of Round 1 could be proven.  This was all made possible (in my estimation) by the two recent studies citing competitive bidding as counter intuitive to CMS challenges and goals.  I believe a very clear,concise message is better than a consistent barrage of ‘not me’ rhetoric. The message is now in the minds of our legislators and their staffs. I urge all members to engage with and further educate their local offices and invite their patients to illustrate the true value of homecare.  I once heard if something sounds like a good idea, don’t wait; do it today.  Speak now, Dewey Roof Long's HME VP of Sales/Operations The trip to Washington, DC was very productive.  We had an opportunity to meet and educate our elected officials about the level of care and service that takes place when we deliver an oxygen machine or power wheelchair.  I participated because, as a business owner, I am tired of receiving more and more reimbursement cuts (now competitive bidding) and being blamed for all of the fraud and abuse that goes on in the industry.  It is time for them to see that we are a part of the solution and not the problem.  We could help them save millions of dollars annually if we were just included in the process.  I feel confident that we were able, as a group of over 350 business owners, to get them to at least postpone round two until they have had a chance to analyze the impact from round one competitive bidding.  Again, great job everyone who participated and lets keep in front of them. Leonard Green ABC Medical Charleston, SC Thank you for inviting me to attend the Legislative Conference.  While I went into the trip somewhat skeptical of our chances of success, I left feeling encouraged.  I heard a consistent message from the offices of every elected leader we visited, our industry must present solutions to help reduce expenditures and eliminate fraud if we have any chances of derailing competitive bidding.  I feel they heard our very clear message which is that we agree in principal with them but competitive bidding will result in irreparable damage to the many small HME businesses in our state and quality of care will suffer and decline dramatically.    Our state delegation was unified in its approach and message.  We urged them to slow the competitive bidding process until further studies can be done to validate if it is going to work and to allow our national organization time to draft legislation that will reduce costs and ensure quality while allowing all qualified providers to compete.  I think our elected officials heard our message and agreed in principal that there are some very serious flaws in competitive bidding and they are willing to work with us to seek the changes we pleaded for.    We have to remain diligent in our pursuit of these initiatives.  Most importantly, our industry must work tirelessly to complete the drafting of new legislation and push it through to our elected leaders.  We have no time to waste.  Locally we must continue to communicate with our Senators and Representatives and voice our concerns and follow-up to verify that they are pursuing the delays we requested.   Let’s keep it going.   Larry A. Webb, CEO MedBridge Healthcare  SleepWorks - sleep centers of excellence  MedBridge Home Medical - respiratory home medical services 110 W. North Street, Suite 100 Greenville, SC   29601 I just want to express my thanks to SCMESA and to all those that attended the fly-in. The experience was wonderful. With 15 companies representing South Carolina and almost 400 attendees nationwide, we really had a presence there in Washington. Our group was composed of several newcomers to the lobbying process and a few seasoned veterans, each brought a unique perspective to our underlying message. During our sessions with the congressmen, senators and various legislative assistants, we delivered concise bulleted points on what we were there to accomplish. These points were driven home with passionate testimonials that made the numbers and facts come alive. By and large our message to the members of congress was to let our industry be part of the solution they are looking for. We come at a critical stage where we are able to advocate on the patient's behalf, but over the next 60 days the competitive bidding train will be racing down the tracks, and it is going to decimate over 50 percent of the small businesses serving their constituents. In light of two new economic impact studies that highlight disastrous outcomes, it is only prudent to delay competitive bidding to determine if the anticipated outcomes will be in the best interest of our country, small businesses and Medicare beneficiaries. Our message seemed to be heard by the eight offices we visited. Most offices eventually agreed that our request was reasonable and they were most appreciative that we came with reasonable approaches and possible alternatives to be considered.    We left with several commitments to either sign on to a letter already in progress to CMS requesting a delay of the competitive bidding process on the House side and/or to write a personal letter to that effect. Not all the wins were gained from our formal, scheduled sessions with the congressmen. For many legislators the process had begun long before our arrival as the result of numerous communications with local providers in their districts. Several commitments were gained with last minute conversations and last minute encounters. One save was made in a case encounter with Congressman Henry Brown who was in session during our scheduled appointment time. Per chance he walked by as our small group was taking a brief respite. Wim Kellett recognized the congressman and literally jumped at the chance of an opportunity to walk the congressman back to his office. In those few short steps a commitment was made.   It was obvious by the end of the trip that we each need to take the opportunity to make a difference, make an opportunity when there isn't one, and stand up for what we believe in. Previously unreceptive members heard our case.  We need to keep making it again and again until it sticks for good.  We cannot be intimidated by the process. These congressmen have made a commitment to serve the best interests of their constituents, and that includes dme providers and our customers. No one knows our cause better than we do. No one can make our case like we do. What we learned in Washington can be applied just as easily at home... We can make a difference just by making that first contact... then the second... then the third. We absolutely cannot afford to let someone else tell our story. We each have to tell it to ensure it is truly heard! Thank you again for the privilege to tell our story to those that would listen and for the opportunity to represent SCMESA in Washington! Andrea Stark MiraVista, LLC and ClaraVista, LLC Just a quick recap from our DC trip.  I felt that AAHomecare presented a productive conference.  I feel that having 2 US Senators and a Congressman was a wonderful showing of our industry’s hard work.  In addition to these 3 members of Congress; having Jim Nussle (Office of Management and Budget) was impressive. His discussion was on point with the President’s agenda and did a nice job in providing information as well as answering questions.  I would hope that South Carolina providers will engage as others have done, it helps and that is FACT. •    Our first meeting with US Congressman Bob Inglis was very disappointing. Philip Van Steenburgh is educated on the issues for our industry.  It was unavoidable for him and Congressman Inglis not to be present, as there was a vote.  I suppose the conversation Pride Mobility President Dan Meusser had with him is encouraging.  This will require follow up on their opinion. •    Senator Grahams office is always welcoming and on our side.  Colin Allen felt we made a valid point and we should see Senator Graham signing off on postponing round 2 of Competitive Bidding so that round 1 could be evaluated.  We need to bring ideas of how to make changes.  This needs to be done by May.  Any SCMESA members that have ideas please communicate them! •    Senator DeMint’s office is always welcoming and on our side.  Peter Fotos is also educated on these issues of our industry.  He speaks very candidly and I certainly appreciate his honesty.  Peter explained to accomplish anything we needed to get the Senate Finance committee on the program.  We should expect to see Senator DeMint endorse the postponing of round 2 so that round 1 could be evaluated.  This office also wants ideas of how to make changes. •    Congressman Gresham Barrett is a supporter of our industry.  James Miller is also very educated on the Medicare issues before us.  He ask good questions and we responded.  I would expect an endorsement to delay round 2 competitive bidding for round 1 evaluation. •    Congressman Brown’s office was supportive and understanding.  Amanda Reynolds offered good comments in direction of support for us.  We left, later speaking with the Congressman on his way to his office.  By the time we arrived he was ready to sign the letter to postpone round 2 of competitive bidding. •    Congressman Spratt’s office is always friendly and welcoming.  Ashli Scott is very educated on our industry and ask questions so to further her knowledge.  Congressman Spratt has been a supporter of our industry in the past.  We left we the impression he would recommend delaying round 2 as well. We had a good trip.  I will follow up with each and every office this week and will direct all communication to the legislative committee.  Wim Kellett Reliable Medical Equipment Patients First Medical Equipment I have been intimidated by the legislative process that has been affecting our industry until I went to Washington to become part of the solution.  I was sure that one person or one phone call wasn't going to change the way we got paid or change the mind of all of the individuals making those decisions on our behalf.  I NOW understand that it is essential for each and everyone of us regardless of individual knowledge base on the industry to contact our legislators.   I beleive that with our recent efforts,our message is being heard.  I also beleive that we have  a long way to go to fight for our patients and our businesses.  Of the eight offices that we visited, most agreed that we have reasonable requests and knew that we were looking to be part of the CMS solution.   Most agreed to either sign a dear colleague letter already in progress or to write a letter directly to CMS to delay, suspend, postpone the implementation of Round 2 Competive Bidding.   I encourage you regardless of your knowledge, to join us in this process, you will learn alot.  I encourage  you regardless of your time, to join us in the process or you will be out of time.   Kimberly L Cuce' Reliable Medical Equipment of South Carolina 418 Broad Street Sumter, SC 29150 (803) 934-9212 In comparison to 2002 when I first went to DC for our industry, our legislative committee members were much better organized and prepared to present the statistics, to voice our concerns for patient welfare and to ask for their legislative support through the aid of recently published economic impact studies, written commitment letters and pending legislation.   Judging from the positive response from our legislators and their healthcare staff aides, it was obvious that the copies of the recently released studies gave our message more credence.  I also believe that the grassroots lobbying conducted by several of our SCMESA members had laid the foundation for our visits and were definitely instrumental in giving a voice to our industry in SC. During our visits, all of us extended open invitations for our legislators and staff to come by our businesses to see for themselves that when DME is rented, it is more than just a commodity. Our comprehensive services are what keep patients in the home and healthcare costs at a minimum.  Some of our members plan on making videos of what we do for our patients or having them available when a legislator visits their locations. It was a privilege to represent SCMESA and our DME members.  Overall, I believe our committee made a good impression on our legislators and their staff.  Now it is up to all of us to continue the fight for our patients, our employees and our livelihoods.  It’s not too late to get your voice heard and get involved.  I hope we get a chance to personally show them that our services cannot be replaced by the low bidder and “drop shipped” at the patient’s door along with the equipment and still have the expectation of a good cost-effective outcome. Nancy Voiselle Parrish Home Medical, Inc.