The Board of AMEPA, thanks the team at AAHomecare for putting on another fantastic conference. We are pleased that so many providers outside of Round One and Round Two took the time to travel to Washington and participate.

 It is imperative that HME providers continue to come to Washington to or engage legislators or in their district offices about our issues. Patrick Dorton of Rational 360, AAH's Public Relations Firm, summed up his presentation by explaining that for those who serve Medicare beneficiaries "The federal government is our largest customers".

AMEPA has understood this, that is why we spearheaded efforts last month to rally providers nation wide. Working with CAMPS in California and IAMES in Illinois to bring HME contiuents to their representatives' district offices. The energy generated by those efforts continues in Washington DC, where AMEPA and state association representatives met with Congresspeople and their staffs regarding HR 3790 and other industry issues.

 It was a great success. We met with over 30 congressional offices in 2 days, and garnered new support of our efforts.

 AMEPA members from Florida, led by FAHCS President Roger Ribas and Board member Tim Bates attended an early morning meeting with Congresswoman Suzzane Kosmas (D-Orlando, FL). Bates is a constituent of Kosmas and after telling his story, as an Orlando bid winner who's business would not survive the  program, Congresswoman Kosmas signed on to HR-3790.

Congresswoman Kosmas is the 10th and final
Democrat in Florida to sign on the bill.

Brant, AAH Vice-Chair Georgie Blackburn and U.S. Senator Arlen Specter (D-PA)

One point was raised by multiple Congressional offices, they have not heard from many, and sometime any, constituents about the problems with Medicare's competitive bidding program. WE NEED TO SPEAK OUT NOW, especially since the DC offices have just been brought up to speed regarding he issue. They need to hear from you.