Posted by: Rob Brant
on Jul 24, 2008
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Part of AMEPA's Home Medical Equipment Congressional Initiative (HME-CI) is to help Members of Congress who have supported the healthcare industry. The first Congressman who needs our immediate support is David Davis from Tennessee's District 1. The Republican primary is being held on Thursday, August 7th, 2 weeks from today and he is in a very close race.
Posted by: Rob Brant
on Jul 16, 2008
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Yesterday. Finally. HR 6331 became law.
We are still waiting to hear from Medicare to understand how the damage will be undone. Some providers in the Round One Competitive Bidding Areas (CBAs), have already billed for July patients and received the contracted, lower reimbursement (See the Story Below).
The passage of H.R. 6331 means that my DME company can continue to work and be paid by Medicare for new orders received onward from July 1st. It also means that I will not have to figure out how I will survive the rest of the year on a minimum 26% cut in revenue.
In the background of the fight for 6331, AMEPA's Vice President Jack Marquez, Regulatory Chair - Sylvia Toscano and industry attorneys Javier Talamo and Jeff Baird devised a back-up plan for surviving the next 5 to 6 months under Competitive Bidding. No matter how the situation was analyzed each company had to lay off employees, reduce operation size, and the owners had to take massive salary cuts. The business models for 2009 spelled complete closure for most companies as the best case scenarios reduced business owners back to full time deliverymen, even with the ability to participate as a subcontractor.
Posted by: Rob Brant
on Jul 15, 2008
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AMEPA Breaking News
The Senate followed the House of Representatives vote by over-riding the President's Veto 70-26.
Posted by: Rob Brant
on Jul 10, 2008
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H.R. 6331 passed by a remarkable margin of 69-30. When Senators Cornyn (R-TX) and then Martinez (R-FL) spoke against the bill and tried to introduce different legislation, I was concerned. Earlier, Senator Hatch (R-UT) said "We have been here twice before, the bill did not pass then and it will not pass today".
Was I watching a Senate debate or the final table at the World Series of Poker?
Posted by: Rob Brant
on Jul 10, 2008
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Competitive Bidding has now effectively been delayed 18 months with a veto proof margin of 69-30.
This particular battle does not mean the end of Competitive Bidding but it proves what hard work and determination can accomplish. I want to thank the entire AMEPA membership for putting their faith in the board and for all of their tireless efforts and sacrifices. Our industry leaders at AAHomecare and VGM should also be congratulated for coordinating a massive effort and for all of the other state and national organizations that followed their lead.
Posted by: Rob Brant
on Jul 08, 2008
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To: AMEPA Members and Guests
EVERYONE READING THIS EMAIL NEEDS TO:
Please take 5 minutes, call the Capitol Hill Switchboard at
1-202-224-3121 and ask for your Senators office by name. Ask to speak with the Healthcare Legislative Assistant.
Posted by: Rob Brant
on Jul 07, 2008
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IMMEDIATE ACTION NEEDED
AAHomecare has a link on their website to document complaints that patients are having working with Contracted Suppliers under the new program. We encourage all providers to participate in this endeavor
CLICK for AAHomecare's Feedback Form
Competitive Bidding has begun. It may be stopped when the Senate votes on H.R. 6331, after the July 4th recess. We ask to please continue to have your patients and everyone involved ask the Senators for their support of H.R. 6331.Senators can be reached by looking up their local, state offices at www.senate.gov. You are also encouraged to send fax letters as well.
