1-800-828-0498 (just ask for whenever Senator's office you wish to talk to,
a lot of them were still open and others taking messages) Calls to Congress in
support of obtaining exception for complex rehab
I reached one senator and one representative with live responses and one
senator's answering machine.
Is it good to call multiple times to talk to somebody.
HR 2231 &S 2931
Key Message to Senators (Script for your phone calls):
“Hello, this is _________I am calling from ... (Your State) and would like
to speak with the Senator’s Health Aide. (Note: If not possible, speak with
any aide. Also, don’t be discouraged if you can only leave a voice message.) …
I am calling to urge support of exempting complex rehab from the DME
competitive bidding program by supporting S. 2931. Complex Rehab is
customized
and adapted wheelchairs and seating built to meet the unique and specific
needs
of a single individual. This technology is primarily used by a small subset
of Medicare beneficiaries with complicated medical needs such as,
individuals with spinal cord injuries, or ALS, often referred to as Lou
Gehrig's
Disease. These individuals require highly customized technology because
off-the
shelf equipment cannot meet their needs. (Note: At this point you should tell
something about yourself and why this issue is important to you.) I ask that
the exemption language be included in the upcoming Medicare Package. Support
of this initiative is imperative to ensure access to the complex products and
services necessary for people with disabilities.
Can I count on the Senator’s support?” (Note: Push for response…or
commitment to get back to you)
Key Message to Representatives (Script for your phone calls):
“Hello, this is _________I am calling from the Congressman’s district and
would like to speak with the Congressman’s Health Aide. (Note: If not
possible, speak with any aide. Also, do not be discouraged if you can only
leave a
voice message.) … I am calling the Congressman to urge support of exempting
Complex Rehab from the DME competitive bidding program by supporting HR.2231…
Complex Rehab is customized and adapted wheelchairs and seating built to meet
the unique and specific needs of a single individual. This technology is
primarily used by a small subset of Medicare beneficiaries with complicated
medical needs such as, individuals with spinal cord injuries, or ALS, often
referred to as Lou Gehrig's Disease. These individuals require highly
customized
technology because off-the shelf equipment cannot meet their needs. ( Note:
At this point you should tell a little about yourself and why this is an
important issue to you). I ask that the complex rehab exemption language be
included in the upcoming Medicare Package. Support of this initiative is
imperative to ensure access to complex rehab products and services necessary
for
people with disabilities.
can i count on THE CONGRESSMAN’S support of a rehab exemption?” (Push for
response…or commitment to get back to you)
1-800-828-0498 their support of exempting complex rehab from HR 2231S
Subject: Action to exempt complex rehab from Medicare's competitive
bidding program
CMS has announced the bid winners for all the MSA's and in KC only 4
providers received bids for complex rehab. One is not even in our area
out of California. another winner is the Scooter store who currently has
no ATS on staff in our area. Currently there is only 2 ATS on staff at
the bid winning providers. Access will definitely be a issue on July
1st for consumers of complex rehab products.
I am asking you again to assist us in our fight to end this assault on
people with disabilities by CMS. Call you Congressman and Senators and
urge them to support the carve out. We have a bill in the house and the
senate currently and we hope to have complex rehab carved out of
competitive bidding. Your calls will and do make a difference - Please
help!
Target List
Senate/House Ranking Members:
Senate:
Max Baucus (Chairman of Senate Finance Committee – Democrat -
Montana)
Charles Grassley (Ranking Member Finance Committee - Republican -
Iowa)
House:
Charlie Rangel (Chairman of the Ways & Means Committee - Democrat -
New York)
Jim McCrery (Ranking Member of Ways & Means Committee - Republican
– Louisiana)
(Multiple calls to the following legislators are needed…to reach above
ranking members):
Senate:
Republicans:
- Grassley: ID
- - Hatch: UT
- Smith: OR
- Crapo: ID
- Roberts: KS
- Sununu: NH
- Mitch McConnell (R-KY) also Senate Minority Leader
Democrats:
- Baucus – MT
- Rockefeller – WV
- Conrad – ND
- Bingham – NM
- Kerry – MA
- Lincoln – AK
- Widen – OR
- Cantwell – WA
- Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV) also Majority Leader
House:
Democrats
Rep. Nancy Pelosi, (D-CA) Speaker of the House
Charlie Rangel - NY
Pete Stark - CA
S Levin - MI
Jim McDermott - WA
John Lewis - CA
Mike McNulty – NY
Tanner – TN
Becerra – CA
Doggett – TX
Thompson – CA
Larson – CT
Kind – WI
Pascrell – NJ
Berkley – NV
Crowley – NY
Van Hollen – MD
Meet – FL
Schwartz – PA
Rick Boucher - VA
Republicans:
Rep. John Boehner (R-OH) House Minority Leader
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