Michael Reinemer

This is a big election year, and that means a golden opportunity to tell candidates why you are concerned about the continuing erosion of HME coverage in Medicare. One third of US Senators and all 435 members of the House of Representatives are up for election.

So in the months ahead, HME providers, patients, and families will have many chances to express their concerns—at town hall meetings, candidates' debates, radio call-in shows, fund-raisers, and barbecues. The same can be said of many state legislature elections since a number of states have tried to weaken HME coverage in their Medicaid programs. There are also ample opportunities to get your message into local newspapers as letters to the editor, op-ed pieces, or news articles.

The message is simple. HME and services are important to seniors. But continuing reimbursement cuts make it harder to provide these services and equipment in Medicare. Ask legislators to strengthen coverage for oxygen therapy, wheelchairs, and other DME.

Your advocacy message will go farther if you keep a few things in mind: 1) Sometimes just one home care provider who has a good rapport with their member of Congress can make all the difference in winning over an elected official. But typically, the more, the better; 2) Ask your elected representative to take a specific action, such as cosponsoring a specific bill, or touring your home care facility.

Put the issue in human terms. Describe the patients you serve and the constituents you employ. Describe what's at stake in the community in terms of health care access, quality of life, and jobs. Make sure your members in Congress and their staff know who you are.

Be firm, direct, and clear. But also be professional, polite, and patient. The framers of the Constitution did not create a federal government designed to produce instant results.

Use talking points from AAHomecare (www.aahomecare.org). Work with your state association and join seniors' groups and consumer organizations such as AARP and the American Lung Association.

Some of the ground work has been done. By the time this issue goes to press, the AAHomecare Washington Legislative Conference will have wrapped up, with participation by record numbers of providers from across the United States. Most Senators, Representatives, and their staffs will have been briefed by delegations of home care providers on the impact of competitive bidding, reimbursement rates for oxygen therapy, the proposed elimination of first-month purchase option for power wheelchairs, and other issues.

Americans (82%) prefer home-based care over hospitals or nursing homes. Three out of four (74%) agree that "home care is part of the solution to the problem of rapidly increasing Medicare spending." And 78% of registered voters say they would vote for congressional candidates who would strengthen coverage for oxygen therapy, power wheelchairs, hospital beds, and other DME items in Medicare. Let's draw on the nation's goodwill toward this sector to preserve the home care option for millions of Americans who need it.

Michael Reinemer is VP for communications and policy at AAHomecare, Arlington, Va.