More Fly-In

The past few days, I have received a number of messages from several state DME associations. Each of them was very positive about what was accomplished at the Washington Fly-In sponsored by AAHomecare.

I am very cognizant of how much it costs to send a delegate to DC. I know how many dollars are spent when participating, but don’t look upon that as an expense! The few pennies spent are an investment to keep your company solvent! I knew all the employees and their families who worked with Thelma and I. We had to protect them! We also treated each of our clients as personal friends. Our responsibility was to protect each and every one of them. This has always been my driving force and it should also be yours!

Obtaining positive results can make a major difference for every DME/HME dealer. The problem is that not every DME/HME dealer is currently a dues paying member of AAHomecare and their state DME association. They do so much with the limited funds they have. They will be able to do much, much more when their membership grows. No company can stand alone! To allow positive things to happen, you all must join.

The other side of the coin is bleak! To date, I have seen too many DME/HME operations closing. THIS DOES NOT HAVE TO HAPPEN! If we do not get H.R. 1717 passed this year, it will be a severe blow to our industry. There are many other difficulties to be resolved. Don’t sit by idly and twiddle your thumbs. There is no one else - It is up to you!

 

The dues for membership are insignificant, especially when compared with results. I feel sometimes that I am preaching to the choir. Please do not sit back and wait for someone else to do things. Invest in your future! Hesitation in these critical days can be fatal!

I ask that all DME/HME dealers and providers get on board now so that in October, at the Fall Medtrade Exposition, we will be able to stand proudly with all the attendees and exhibitors.  

WASHINGTON FLY-IN

It has been several years since I last joined AA Homecare to participate in their Legislative Conference (WASHINGTON FLY-IN). This has proven to be a most effective way to get to see as many congressmen possible. The way that AAH provided handouts, scheduled most of the appointments and then carefully explained to all of us just how to make the presentations to be effective. They did a terrific job! They did this again this year.

I received a summary of the activities this year from Jerry Hall and the Florida delegates he traveled with. This team worked with the Health L.A. or the Chief of staff in each office they visited. They are the important personnel in each office in DC who can carry your message. Locally, you will discover that there is a similar office not very distant from you. A visit there has always been fruitful! In my district in Florida a number of DME/HME dealers work closely with our Congressman through his local office.

One of Jerry’s team objectives was to ask other Congressmen to co-sponsor H.R. 1717. The reports I received were very positive. They met several Congressmen and both Senators from Florida. They were all very encouraging. The Congressmen who have already signed on to HR 1717 were also asked to contact all the others who did not sign on (not just from Florida). Currently we have 174 co-sponsors and we need 218. Please contact your representative and if you need their number contact your state association or call me (321-259-7127). It is that imperative that this bill is passed! MAKE THAT CALL ASAP!

 

Watch this video from AA Homecare on important information about following up with your representatives.


The task we have always faced was how to get elected officials on our side. This was often accomplished when we told them how many senior citizens, Medicare, and other patients we service. We also expanded our list by including family caregivers. To stay in office, Congressmen need votes. Working with us is how better they can earn them. This worked very nicely for us and it will work for you. Votes are the keys to them staying in office.

I know that if every DME/HME dealer will become more active we will be able to get H.R. 1717 passed. We have to do this because if we fail again this will be fatal for many dealers. They might be forced to close down their operation and the loss of income and employees is too frightening to consider. Let us not allow this to happen. Get on the team and everything can be changed to the positive. If you are not currently a member of your state DME association and AA Homecare please do it now! I know at Medtrade in Atlanta there will a great amount of time dedicated to aid you in becoming a more active dealer.

Reflections: A Different Medtrade Part 2

As it could've been expected, there was slightly less traffic at Medtrade in Orlando. However, the attendees that came were ready to do business and looking for solutions.  They were planning to survive & thrive (as VGM put it) in this new landscape.  They came to Orlando to seek new opportunities and other products, which their company could feature to develop new OTC cash sales.  

Opportunities galore! Upon arrival, I sashayed to the new product pavilion. This was like a magnet because dealers were standing in line waiting for their turn to see all the “goodies.” There were many!
 
You know, if I still were a dealer, one of the ideas I like was to start selling inexpensive clothing designed for use in any facility.  I saw from some vendors new clothing items that are easy to wash and dry and comfortable for the patient. There also was a vendor bringing linens designed for use by patients at home or institutionalized. These items are very specific, sturdy and easily maintained. I can see the bed-ridden patients and senior citizens at these facilities that would benefit from these special items for their comfort.  There were the vendors bringing so many new items and approaches and I tried to see them all.
 
Another sight for sore eyes was the “Emerging Company Pavilion".  This to me was a high spot!  You are able to make a great living without depending on “competitive bid” dollars. Keep what you already have but put all your efforts to develop more OTC cash sales.  That is the path to be on!
 
I participated in the “welcome” session for new attendees. It was a pleasant surprise that so many attendees got up early.  Kevin Gaffney outlined what could be found on the exhibition floor.  When I spoke to a number of these entrepreneurs I saw the future of  DME/HME growing in their good hands.
 
The “Washington Update” followed this; Jay Witter (AAHomecare) brought everyone up-to-date on what is happening in DC, which can affect our business. He made it very clear that”:
 
1.)   Yes, we face many difficult times!
2.)   We can beat them all by working together.
 

It is reassuring when we all heard what Jay and the teams at AAHomecare are doing.
 
I left that session with enthusiasm recognizing how much AAHomecare means to the entire health care industry. We must all give them our 100% support. They are in a position to get results and this new team led by Tom Ryan will do just that! I would like to see every dealer or provider become a dues paying member of AAHomecare (as well as their state DME association).
 
When Tom Ryan spoke, I relaxed, and recognized that he is the person we need to guide our industry. If you have not already signed on, please do so STAT.  It was the largest attendance that I can recall. We met so many friends and associates and got more hugs and kisses than ever.
 
Tuesday evening the staff of HomeCare Magazine had a “meet the new team” get together for the Board with the staff. They are filled with refreshing ideas and the magazine will stay in the forefront as a leader.
 
Thelma and I next went to the annual AAHomecare STAND UP FOR HOMECARE RECEPTION fundraiser. AAHomecare awarded Scott Meuser (Pride) and yours truly for our contributions on behalf of the profession. All I can say is “thank you”, however the award should have been given to Thelma. All these years she has kept me on line and worked as my partner!
 
In the Show News Daily #3, published by HME News they reported “GET IN THERE”, a small gathering of DME providers (all located in Florida District 8) and reported how they contacted their Congressman Bill Posey.  They have earned his full support for HR1717 and he is helping get additional help from Congress.
 
Colleen Hunter (Browning's Pharmacy) and Gene Sego (Sego's Home Medical Equipment), both independent dealers from Central Florida, led the session.  There were other passionate HME/DME providers also in attendance at the meeting including Donna Sammon of Browning’s Pharmacy; Kamen Jenkins of Wuesthoff Home Medical; and Greg Bonenberger of Brevard HME.  

Colleen Hunter said, “We want to let everyone know it can be done.”  Gene spoke about how much the beneficiaries are suffering, as we are so aware.  Congressman Bill Posey (R FL-8) sent two of his staff to attend and visit Medtrade.

My hope is this effort will be replicated throughout the United States with the co-operation of the state DME associations.  We must get HR 1717 passed and the “Competitive Bid” eliminated.

The Merger & Legislative Conference

The official announcement was released; AAHomecare and NAIMES are now one organization. We all send our sincere congratulations to AAHomecare. This is great news for all DME/HME providers and suppliers. Welcome to the new stronger AAHomecare.

President Tyler Wilson and Wayne Stanfield, former President of NAIMES and now VP of AAHomecare are working to complete blending everything into one strong national association for all providers. Tyler will be stepping down in the fall and may I suggest that AAHomecare find his replacement from within the industry.

There are many fine directors running the state associations. I can easily recommend several to be his replacement. Bringing in a new president with who has been active in this industry for many years will make a big difference. Please be patient as these active negotiations are taking place. Wait quietly, as I am, for their report.

However, all DME/HME dealers or providers must show their appreciation for what they have already accomplished on your behalf. The new AAHomecare will carry your message and get Congress to support the pending legislation and never allow them denigrate what we do.  I am really excited about the future.

 The AA Homecare Washington Legislative Conference was this week.  Many DME providers, manufacturers, and thought leaders from our industry came together and attended the 2-day event.  Here's some advice from AA Homecare and the congressional speakers at the Washington Legislative Conference sessions: "Tell us your stories".

“It is truly important to talk with your elected representatives,” said Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.). “Make it personal.” She continued by encouraging attendees to help Congress understand that DME providers are meeting the needs of more than 8 million Americans, so it’s imperative that they stay in business.

The number of Co-Sponsors on HR 1717 is now up to 96.  We need to continue this momentum from the conference!  Keep making calls, writing letters, and visiting with your law makers.



If your company is not currently a dues paying member, please be sure you get on board STAT. All the strength you can give them will keep our industry solvent. You, your employees and your clientele appreciate what you do, so don’t wait another day. Get on board ASAP and maintain this relationship. Join and become active.