Special Memo to Each State DME Association:

I wish to report how a dozen independent DME dealers in District 8, Florida, got together to meet with their congressman. Because of the great reception they had, I hope that we can see many similar programs to get HR1717 passed.

There are only a few weeks left before the congressmen return to DC. We cannot allow what happened last year, when we fell short on our efforts to get the competitive bid legislation eliminated, to happen again. So please contact all your members and show them what was done in Florida.

These DME dealers got together on their own and went to Congressman Posey’s local office to speak with his office manager. They explained how their patients were complaining about a lack of service and their ability to get their supplies locally. This was as a consequence of the “bid,” patients were forced to obtain their supplies great distances away in Orlando, Miami, Jacksonville, and other out-of-state bid “winners." It was chaos, and many chose to go without rather than chase their supplies across the state.

Posey's office manager recognized how this affected their electorate and made arrangements for Congressman Posey, District 8, to meet with these dealers. The results were phenomenal. They explained everything from the patient’s point of view while being very professional and polite. No raised voices of anger, just facts.

Congressman Posey told us that he had already signed on to HR 1717. Since I had been invited, and attended this meeting, I will tell you that deep respect was there as we joined forces. So much so, that during the very first week of his summer holiday, Cong. Posey sponsored another meeting. This time with his Chief of Staff, Stuart Burns. The members prepared a loose-leaf binder with pages of pertinent information. They and Congressman Posey have bonded, and you all must do the same with your district's public officials!

There are some 550 districts in the United States, each with many DME/HME dealers. They are the troops and you are their captains! Can you contact the other members in your area and ask them to do the same?

I do not want to contemplate what will happen if we fail to get the Competitive Bid Legislation replaced. Please give this effort primary consideration. There are only a few weeks remaining before they return to DC.

Thank you,

Shelly

321-259-7127