To Enrich Lives

Courtesy of American Association for Homecare – 3/20/19

In the week-plus since CMS included that information as part of new details and a timeline for the next bidding round, I’ve heard from numerous leaders at respiratory companies, clinician groups, and organizations representing impacted patient populations.  Not surprisingly, everyone I’ve spoken with is highly motivated and prepared for an aggressive campaign to push back against this policy change.

For the larger HME community, this announcement is a fresh example of why we need to remain committed to building strong relationships on Capitol Hill and continuing to grow our industry’s advocacy capability.  It’s yet another reminder that policymakers at both Federal and state levels are certain to continue to look for new avenues to limit Medicare and Medicaid expenditures even as the populations served by these programs grow.

Despite this latest challenge, I am more positive than I have ever been about the HME community’s advocacy capability.  There is no question that the reimbursement relief and bidding program reforms gained through the CURES bill and the ESRD/DMEPOS Rule would have never taken shape without your strong grassroots advocacy for rural relief legislation over the last two Congressional sessions.  The wide support on multiple Congressional sign-on letters in support of these priorities is a direct reflection on the relationships you’ve built and the credibility you’ve established for HME on Capitol Hill.

Looking Ahead

We are currently working with our champions on Capitol Hill to develop legislation providing more substantial and longer-term relief for HME suppliers in non-bidding areas, and also in discussions with respiratory stakeholders and our patient group allies on a plan of action to address the ventilator issue.  Once again, the prospects for success on these issues will mainly rest on our ability to educate and engage hundreds of members of Congress that our policy priorities are critically needed by both HME suppliers and patients.  We’ll be counting on long-time HME advocates to continue to work with their legislators, and we’ll also need fresh faces to become involved in HME advocacy.
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Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States and the second leading cause of death from cancers that affect both men and women. Colorectal cancer affects all racial and ethnic groups and is most common in people ages 50 and older.

The best way to prevent colorectal cancer it so get screened regularly starting at age 50. There are often no signs or symptoms of colorectal cancer – that’s why it’s so important to get screened.

With the recent ice accumulation and snowfall, the Minnesota Council on Disability wants to remind you to shovel your sidewalks and curb ramps. The sidewalks and curb ramps are lifelines for many people with disabilities and for our senior community who are trying to get to work, the grocery store, or medical appointments.

When sidewalks and curb ramps are not cleared, they can become impassable and create a potentially life-threatening situation for people who are forced into the street alongside traffic.

Please shovel your sidewalk and curb ramps as soon as possible. Don’t wait for the snow to melt!

Snow removal is governed by city ordinance. Visit your city’s website (opens in new tab) to learn more about:

• Snow removal ordinances for residential and commercial buildings
• Potential fines for failure to remove snow in a timely manner
• Tips and helpful resources for shoveling your sidewalk
• Reporting snow and ice on local sidewalks

If you are a person with a disability in need of assistance with snow removal, contact Disability Hub MN (opens in new tab) for resources. Note: These resources may come at a cost. If possible, make arrangements for snow removal prior to the snow season.

Senior citizens can contact the Senior LinkAge Line (opens in new tab) for resources.

Keeping sidewalks and curb ramps clear of snow and ice is the neighborly thing to do–and it’s the law. If you live near senior citizens or people with disabilities, volunteer to shovel their walkways. Let’s all do our part!