On Tuesday we visited with over 30 Congressmen and their staffs. As was previously reported the 'buzz' in Washington is regarding DME and competitive bidding. Staff members are up to date as to the newest proposed legislation and the attempts to achieve uniformity in the House and Senate versions. There were many successful meetings with Congressmen and Staff pledging support for DME.

Many providers from Round 2 areas such as Jacksonville and Arkansas sent us letters of introduction so we could speak on their behalf, although they could not make the trip to Washington. We had meetings with staffers form Congressman Vic Snyder from Little Rock and Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) who seem to be on board with the proposed legislation to delay the program.

Walt Gorski and Stacy Harms of AA Homecare have been extremely helpful. They came to the House office building to review our meeting schedule, and advise and assist in meetings. AMEPA members utilized AAHomecare's summary of the proposed legislations to distribute to Congress.

John Gallagher and the staff from VGM have also provided a wealth of knowledge and guidance. In the words of one supportive Congressional Office: "The lives of the Beneficiaries are in your hands. Keep the Pressure On!"

Florida Dept of Health confirms 9 Oxygen Winners Unlicensed
On Tuesday it was confirmed by the Florida Department of Health, Drugs, Devices and Cosmetics Program that nine (9) of the Florida Oxygen Bid Winners ARE NOT licensed as Medical Oxygen Retailers in Florida. We provided a copy of that letter to all of the legislators that we have been meeting with. This supports AMEPA's contention that many of the winners are not capable to begin dispensing oxygen in 12 days on July 1st.