Next Week - "We Are Rolling on Capital Hill"

[Tom Borcherding]

I thought the US based forum members would be interested in this action, sponsored by United Spinal Association. One of the primary purposes of the trek to Washington is to advocate for access to appropriate equipment that allows for independent mobility.

http://www.usersfirst.org/we-are-rol...-capitol-hill/

You can follow the event live next Tuesday and Wednesday on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/UsersFirstAlliance.

Your voice needs to be heard by your Members of Congress - take action and be involved!

Tom Borcherding

[Tom Borcherding]

The following message is from Paul Tobin, representing the United Spinal Association. I think you will find this very informative!


We're four days away from Roll on Capitol Hill.

It looks like the weather will be in our favor. We will roll on Capitol
Hill under partly cloudy skies with temperatures in the high 70's.
Ironically, the political climate in DC and across the nation is not as
pleasant.

Our independence is in jeopardy. This week, we're learning more about
policies in Illinois, Kansas and Oregon that threaten our members. Their
access to wheelchairs and services that allow them to live with greater
independence in their communities is being restricted, or in some cases,
completely eliminated. Cutbacks in federal Medicare and state Medicaid
programs are ripping through state budgets and our members are at risk of
losing the freedom and mobility that they have fought so hard to gain. If
this continues, I fear that many of our members will be forced into
institutional care for lack of appropriate wheelchairs or community-based
services and supports.

Even those of us who don't use Medicare and Medicaid will be affected. As
the largest payers in the country, many service providers simply cannot
stay in business without Medicare or Medicaid income. So they won't be
there to answer your call with private insurance or funds. Many wheelchair
suppliers and repair shops are already warning that they will be forced to
close their doors if the cuts proceed as planned.

And, this is before more cuts to federal spending are planned conveniently
after the coming election…

I just don't understand the logic… the federal government institutes
program after program to foster independence for people with disabilities
in the community. They've spent billions of dollars on these initiatives.
They've spent countless dollars on wellness initiatives and medical
research so that all Americans are living longer. Guess what? As people
age and live with disabilities, services are needed to support us in the
community. Now, they will cut back on the medical devices and services
that make it all possible.

Does your president, representative, senators, state legislators and
governor not see the effect this will have?

Our job next week is to put a face on these cutbacks and explain the
real-life implications of their actions.

Next week, we will venture into the eye of this brewing storm. We've each
dealt with strong headwinds and obstacles before. We can, and will, again.
We can prevail if we work together.

Safe travels to DC. Godspeed and thank you.

Thank you for joining us.

Paul J. Tobin, LMSW
President & CEO
United Spinal Association

[sherocksandsherolls]

Great work, thank you and I will be watching via facebook posts!

[betheny]

Thanks for fighting the good fight. Wish I wasn't so feeble as I currently am, I'd love to join in.

[Sue Pendleton]

"Does your president, representative, senators, state legislators and
governor not see the effect this will have?

Our job next week is to put a face on these cutbacks and explain the
real-life implications of their actions."

Mr Tobin,

Our politicians see the samething that all of us see: SSDI lawyers on ads all over TV and now I even get spam in my email account on how I can qualify for SSDI. I qualified by phone in 1992 when I became a quadriplegic.

So while you are up there letting them meet in person those who truly need SSDI, SSI, Medicare and Medicaid to maintain our health and a reasonable life in the community with custom wheelchairs meant for our bodies please have some information on the tort lawyers and the fakers who use the lawyers that advertize they can get anyone SSDI. Do point out that many with MS have to fight to get disability but they can forward medical tests and films. Those delays kill. But the rest need to be reviewed in person. And many need to be kicked off the programs if they have finished a drug or alcohol rehab program. Most quads and paras only get one stay in rehab why should they get a lifetime of as many as they feel they need or want? Help fund all the programs by cutting the exemption for the blind. They are no different than the rest of the disabled so they should deduct their medical needs under schedule A on the tax forms. And maybe restrict Scooter Store ads. How can they guarentee everyone a scooter or powerchair if they have Medicare unless they are filling several politicians pockets?
Wish I could be there too.