VGM is calling on all DME providers and their employees to send letters to the editors of local press. As the discussion on health reform continues, the Waterloo, Iowa-based member services group said it's time that Congress understands home health care is the solution to rising costs and is also preferred by the majority of Americans.
While the group commends those who have called and met with congressional members in the past few weeks, "our actions must continue, and we must work from all avenues to get our messages conveyed" as lawmakers work to pass health reform legislation before August, a VGM Legislative Update said Friday.
"The goal will be to get thousands of letters published with similar messages," according to the call to action. "Messages should express the fact that when facing chronic or terminal illnesses, patients prefer to be independent in their own homes, not in hospitals or nursing homes ...
"In the next four weeks, please take a moment to write to your editor and ask that your story be published."
VGM has posted sample letters on its Web site for its "Write the Editor" campaign, and is asking providers who have their letters published to report back to the VGM site to let others know.
"The noise that the letters create will help to sway the opinion and to educate your beneficiaries and the public," VGM said. "It's time to get on board and get our voices heard!"