I think we should become involved in this!  While this may seem at first
blush to be a bit mundane when compared with the potential benefits of
getting Udall funded, life does go on for the huddled masses of PWP out
there who need Medicare's benefits.  I think we should write these letters
because many of them can't.

-----Original Message-----
From: [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>
To: Multiple recipients of list PARKINSN <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Thursday, June 25, 1998 4:18 PM
Subject: Call for Action!


>REHABILITATION SERVICES FOR PARKINSON PATIENTS IN  JEOPARDY!!
>
>In a rush to find savings in the Medicare program last year, Congress
>imposed arbitrary annual caps of $1,500 per beneficiary on all outpatient
>rehabilitation services except those furnished in a hospital outpatient
>department. The legislation, part of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, has
>been interpreted by Medicare to establish two limits - a $1,500 cap for
>physical therapy and speech-language pathology services and a separate
>$1,500 cap for occupational therapy services. The limits become effective
>for services rendered on or after January 1, 1999.
>
>These limits on outpatient rehabilitation services will impact heavily on
>person suffering from Parkinson's disease for two reasons. First, there
>is increasing evidence that persons with Parkinson's disease who receive
>these services benefit considerably in their management of the disease,
>comfort and activities of daily living. Second, because Parkinson's
>disease is a chronic illness, the caps will by met on a regular basis
>early in the twelve month cycle.
>
>The limits are completely arbitrary and bear no relation to the medical
>condition of the patient nor the health outcomes of the rehabilitation
>services. There exists no medical or empirical justification for the
>caps. The caps are insensitive to the needs of patients and amount to
>health care rationing.
>
>What makes this situation particularly frustrating is the fact that there
>have been no Congressional hearings on reimbursement methodologies for
>outpatient rehabilitation providers in general or the $1,500 caps in
>particular. In comparison, multiple hearings were held on new payment
>mechanisms for skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies and
>managed care plans.
>
>Relief  may be in sight if we all act quickly
>
>Several Congressmen and Senators have already introduced legislation that
>would correct this problem. They are Congressman Ensign and Senators
>Grassley and Reid in the Senate.
>
>Each of you who is either a Parkinson patient,  caregiver, or friend of
>someone with Parkinson's disease needs to write your Congressman and
>Senators asking them to be a co-sponsor of the "Reinstatement of the
>Medicare Benefit Act of 1998". A sample letter follows.
>
>If you need help identifying your Representative and/or Senators, or have
>any questions, please contact the NPF Washington Office, toll free @
>(888) 331-4673. Bill Turenne or I will be happy to help you.
>
>If you are writing your Senators address the letter as follows:
>
>The Honorable (first and last name)
>United States Senate
>Washington, DC 20510
>
>If you are writing your Congressman address the letter as follows:
>
>The Honorable (first and last name)
>United States House of Representatives
>Washington, DC 20515
>
>SAMPLE LETTER
>
>Dear (CONGRESSMAN OR SENATOR)
>
>As a Medicare beneficiary and recipient of physical, occupational and
>speech therapy, I recently learned that starting January 1, 1999, there
>will be an arbitrary cap on the amount of outpatient physical therapy,
>occupational therapy and speech therapy services that I can receive from
>my therapist. Due to a provision in the 1997 Balanced Budget Act, I
>understand that Medicare will only cover $3,000 per year for all of these
>services in outpatient settings limiting me to treatment in outpatient
>hospital departments. As your constituent, I am upset that Congress has
>arbitrarily limited my options for care. While I understand that everyone
>should share in the burden to reduce Medicare costs to ensure solvency of
>the program, this arbitrary cap does not make sense.
>
> Optional--[Add patient history, particularly the benefits of these
>therapies to patients suffering from Parkinson's disease. Indicate how
>theses therapies have improved your functions, independence and
>activities of daily living..]
>
>I ask you to support the enactment of H.R. 3835, the "Reinstatement of
>the Medicare Rehabilitation Benefit Act of 1998" sponsored by Congressman
>John Ensign and a similar bill sponsored in the Senate by Senators
>Grassley and Reid.
>
>Sincerely,
>