Respiratory Solutions

How to Reach Congress' Freshman Class

• By Wayne Stanfield
• Jan 01, 2009

The election is over and the first session of the new 111th Congress will include a large crop of freshmen. By all accounts, this has been an historic election and one that will bring significant change to Washington. A major part of that change will be health care reform. The industry's concern is that the value of home care and DME could be left out of the discussion.

That's where providers come in. As an industry, we must ensure that DME is a part of the future of health care, and that can only be realized if the provider community gets involved — not just the stalwart owners and stakeholders, but the rank-and-file supplier owners and managers who make up the tens of thousands of providers that serve millions of patients in their homes.

With the new Congress about to begin work on legislation that will be passed in the first 100 days, some providers have one unique opportunity to make a difference. There are 68 new representatives and senators making up the freshmen class of 2009. These new faces have not yet been fully pulled into the Washington establishment. If one of these newly elected legislators happens to be yours, you can't afford to waste any time. Among these new members of the House and Senate could be several champions for DME and home care. This is an impressionable period for new members as they get settled in and complete their orientation. While it will take a little time and some resources to reach them, the result will be well worth the effort.

Here are some ways to engage freshmen legislators and influence their perception of the DME industry:

Send a note of congratulations for winning the seat. These new representatives and senators are one of 535 people who will make the laws affecting our future, and that fact is quite an achievement. You can break the ice and open up a dialogue by sending a personal and informal note acknowledging your representative or senator's new role and introducing yourself and your business. Take advantage of the post-election high to become an insider to this new face in Washington.

Communicate your immediate concerns by phone. Since we have pressing issues such as the oxygen rental cap and competitive bidding hanging over us, making a phone call is a good idea. This is a period of hyperactivity for freshmen legislators, and many will still be in the confusion of the transition process. With limited resources, staff still being appointed and the excitement of the position, the only reliable way to reach newly elected legislators during the first few months is by phone. Often letters, e-mails and fax communications get lost in the shuffle.

Make friends with the district office. Since the power of your efforts will be at home, find out how your district office can support your relationship. The local staff has the ability to direct information and documents to the member quickly to aid your cause.

Learn all you can about your new member of Congress. Nothing will impress these new legislators more than doing your homework about their positions, goals and ambitions. Showing them you are interested in their issues in your first meetings will encourage your relationship. Learn about their connections in Washington and any connection he or she may have to the industry.

Offer your help. You are the expert in your field. New legislators and their staff are swamped with tasks. They need assistance in understanding the issues as well as getting organized in Washington. Offer your insight and expertise. Keep them informed by sending talking points, white papers and studies supporting the issues.

Be patient. Building a relationship with a member of Congress is like running a marathon, not a 100-meter sprint. Starting early means you get ahead of the gatekeeper system before it is in place. Be a valuable friend to win their confidence.

We must not take our ability to influence public policy lightly. It is certain that we cannot affect change unless we are willing to get involved.

This article originally appeared in the Respiratory Management Jan/Feb 2009 issue of HME Business.