Officers work on Healthcare Reform Issues
Hi all,
I am thinking alot about how to impact what is going on in Congress in regards to the healthcare debate. We had our monthly AOTA officers call last night to discuss how to get more grass roots involvement to make sure occupational therapy and its consumers are appropriately positioned so that access to our services continues or improves. I also have been having conversations with Amy Lamb, chair of our AOTPAC Board. We must realize that expanding coverage to the uinsured involves trying to find ways to pay for this additional expense. Therefore Congress and the President are looking to Medicare and Medicaid to see where cost savings can occur. Therefore our efforts are really involving making sure our coverage remains or improves under Medicare and Medicaid and that any proposal for covering the uninsured includes appropriate benefits for occupational therapy in the areas of physical and mental health, as well as health promotion and chronic disease management. So, what can we do right now given that the debate is just starting and there are still many proposals on the table?
I think first we need to be informed. The legislative action center located through the AOTA website is a place to start. There are linkages to the major proposals. Although lengthy, you can still get the flavor of what is being discussed by skimming the Bills. Second, be aware that we are trying to improve coverage of occupational therapy under the Home Health Flexibility Act. We are looking for sponsors for the bill now in the House. Why is this Bill important for all occupational therapy practitioners whether they work in home health or not? Well, if you are not aware, occupational therapy is not a qualifying service for Medicare Home Health. We can be brought into a home health case after an evaluation has been conducted by the nurse, physical therapy, or speech and language pathology. The Home Health bill would allow us to start the case with a referral from a physician to do so. This is an important step to establish occupational therapy as an important service in home health. This is important as more and more of healthcare moves out of the hospital into the home for all age groups.
So how do you get involved? Members of Congress are home for the Holiday and many are having Town Hall meetings on healthcare reform. I am going to one put on by my representative, Artur Davis on July 6th. Even if they don't have meetings, contact the local office for your representative and see if you can speak to your member of Congress or at least the staff. Before you do that, you can read up on the Home Health bill to make sure you are well informed. Invite a group of occupational therapy practitioners to go with you if you can arrange a personal visit. The staff at AOTA will be glad to talk to you prior to your contact and will want to hear about your efforts afterward.
Get involved! It is your chance to impact the future of occupational therapy.
Penny Moyers Cleveland
President AOTA