Get on the Phone

As I write this, the United States has been at war with Iraq for only a few days. The September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks are still fresh in everyone’s mind. In this climate, those who speak out against any government initiative are quickly labeled “unpatriotic.”

Does this mean the home medical equipment industry should abandon the fight for its own basic freedoms? Absolutely not.

Just a few days ago, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a 2004 budget resolution that includes approximately $93 billion in Medicaid cuts. Still, the resolution was less potentially damaging to the home care industry than its predecessor, which recommended $215 billion in cuts to both Medicaid and Medicare.

The war is not keeping legislators from making decisions that could harm your business. Don’t let national and international events keep you from standing up for your rights. If you still are uncomfortable questioning the federal government right now, the Medicaid issue gives you a good reason to take a step back and focus your energy on your state government. To that end, here is a list of the state associations and their phone numbers:

Alabama Durable Medical Equipment Association (ADMEA) 205/942-7722

Big Sky Association for Medical Equipment Services 208/433-3050

California Association of Medical Product Suppliers (CAMPS) 916/443-2115

Colorado Association of Medical Equipment Services (CAMES) 303/755-1294

Georgia Association of Medical Equipment Services (GAMES) 866/808-2022

Illinois Association for Medical Equipment Services (IAMES) 630/369-7782

Indiana Association for Home and Hospice Care (IAHHC) 317/844-6630

Medical Equipment Suppliers Association (MESA) 972/934-8785

Midwest Association for Medical Equipment Services (MAMES) 651/351-5395

New England Medical Equipment Dealers Association (NEMED) 508/993-0700

Ohio Association of Medical Equipment Services (OAMES) 614/876-2424

Pacific Association for Medical Equipment Services (PAMES) 503/253-9691

Pennsylvania Association of Medical Suppliers (PAMS) 717/795-9684

South Carolina Medical Equipment Services Association (SCMESA) 803/731-9216 www.scmesa.com

Tennessee Association for Home Care (TAHC) 615/885-3399

Wisconsin Association of Medical Equipment Services (WAMES) 715/366-7500