VGM Calls on Providers to Shut Down the Switchboard

WATERLOO, Iowa–To draw attention to the home oxygen bills in
Congress, VGM Group will sponsor Enough is Enough: Shut Down the
Switchboard Day on Nov. 14.

The goal is to get 50,000 people to call the U.S. Capitol
switchboard on that day to urge members of Congress to cosponsor
the Tanner-Hobson bill and the Home Oxygen Patient Protection
Act.

The Tanner-Hobson bill–H.R. 1845 in the House and S. 1428 in
the Senate–would amend the competitive bidding program to allow
all qualified providers who bid to continue doing business with
Medicare at the bid rates that are set, even if they don’t win
contracts. The Home Oxygen Patient Protection Act–H.R. 621 in the
House and S. 1484 in the Senate–would repeal the Deficit Reduction
Act’s 36-month rental cap on home oxygen and restore ownership of
equipment to providers.

The passage of these bills would ensure that Medicare
beneficiaries get the care that they deserve, the Iowa-based buying
group said. Callers are also encouraged to tell Congress that
further cuts to oxygen and power mobility should not be included in
any upcoming Medicare reform.

“It is time to speak up and to raise awareness of the home
medical equipment industry,” reads a press release on the VGM Web
site. “Enough is enough. Medicare beneficiaries should not have to
be burdened with additional cuts, and deserve the right to be able
to choose their own local, small-business provider.”

At latest count, H.R. 1845 had 134 cosponsors and S. 1428 had
13; H.R. 621 had 126 and S. 1484 had seven. At least 217 cosponsors
are needed for both House bills, and 36 are needed for both Senate
bills, according to VGM.

“We’ve got to get motivated,” John Gallagher, VGM vice president
of government relations, implored providers at Medtrade last month.
“This is our Stalingrad, our last stand.

“You have to go back to your employees, go back to your family
members, go back to the beneficiaries and ring the phones off the
hook so that members of Congress say ‘No, I’m not going to support
[competitive bidding] or any cuts to oxygen or power wheelchairs.’
If we don’t do anything in 2007, then in 2008 it’s the next 70,”
Gallagher said, referring to the next round of cities where
competitive bidding will roll out.

During the call-in on Nov. 14–chosen in honor of World COPD
Day–an interactive component will be featured on VGM’s home page.
To assist callers, members of Congress will be listed by state, and
a live commentary will be provided to keep participants fully
informed of the day’s activities.

To help providers rally support from beneficiaries and the
public, a sample press release is available at
www.vgm.com. Additional talking points about the bills can be
found at
www.lastchanceforpatients.org.