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Legislative Update

CDE Legislation UpdateMarch 2010
submitted by Pat Haldi, Legislative Chair
The CDE provision, which was included in the Senate Finance Committee (SFC) version of health care reform, was omitted from the final 'merged' bill between SFC and the HELP Committee. It has been suggested that the cause of this action was due to the erroneously assumed by some that the provision may not be essential to the provision of DSMT care.
We all know there is much debate surrounding the health care bill and as this continues there will be opportunities for more changes. Therefore, it is important that we keep our focus on the goal that is all about increasing access to DSMT and designating all Certified Diabetes Educators (CDEs) as recognized Medicare providers for this invaluable service. 
With this in mind, it is worthwhile for us all to continue to contact our Senators and to request that the CDE provision be re-inserted into the Senate bill. It is easy to do this by going to the

 

 

Legislation Alert --- Our CDE Language has been removed from the health care bill
Contact Senator Cantwell Today!!!

Take Action!

 Washington  December 1, 2009

The CDE provision, which was included in the Senate Finance Committee (SFC) version of health care reform, has been omitted from the final 'merged' bill between SFC and the HELP Committee. We are told this is not due to any policy concerns or opposition to this provision by any Senator.

 Instead, it has been erroneously assumed by some that the provision may not be essential to the provision of DSMT care.

 It is extremely urgent that you contact your Senators now and express your serious concern, and to request that the CDE provision be inserted into the Senate bill. In addition to sending an email, we encourage you to call Senate offices.

 Silence on the part of AADE members indicates that we agree with the assumption that the CDE provision is not a vital part of health care reform.

 With the Senate poised to take up the health care bill, time is of the essence to weigh in.

 Go to the following for a quick and easy form letter to send.

 http://capwiz.com/taade/issues/alert/?alertid=14407901&queueid=[capwiz:queue_id]


 

 

Healthcare Reform Update - November 2009
Submitted by Candace Clark
 
Please take a moment to read the article on the AADE’s website regarding healthcare reform at http://www.diabeteseducator.org/Healthcare_Reform_CDE.html.   The House of Representatives passed the Affordable Health Care for America Act (H.R. 3962) including the CDE provision to improve access to diabetes self-management training by designating all certified diabetes educators as certified Medicare providers for providing outpatient diabetes self-management training services. The AADE is encouraging its member to contact their senators to support for this bill. You can contact Washington State Senators via email at http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm?State=WA

 

Legislative Update - June 2009

Submitted by Rebecca Petty

Much has happened this spring regarding legislation in support of CDE billing and reimbursement for CDE DSME providers.  We now have a House Bill number (HR 2425) and there is an e-petition circulating nationwide in support of this bill.  All WADE members should have received an email recently asking you to review and sign the petition.  It is also available on the WADE website.  To read the bill, follow the link in your email or on the website.  Rep. Diana DeGette (CO-1) sponsored and introduced the bill on 5/14/09.  She is a member of the House Ways and Means, and the Energy and Commerce Committees.  There are 4 co-sponsors:  Reps. Xavier Becera (CA), Mark Steven Kirk (IL), Michael Castle (DE), and Zachary Space (OH).   You can also encourage your Washington State Congress members to support the bill.  Senate members are Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell.  For a complete listing of Representatives, follow the link to house members by state at www.house.gov/house/MemberWWW_by_State.shtml#wa

 June 14-16, Pat Haldi, Shirley Vacanti, and Becky Petty will be in Washington, DC, to participate in Public Policy Day on Capitol Hill.  We will be getting education on legislative policy, and meeting with Congress members regarding diabetes education and passage of HR 2425.  AADE is sponsoring this trip for legislative coordinators around the country.  It is an excellent opportunity for us to represent diabetes educators from Washington State with minimal expense to our chapter members.  AADE will be picking up the cost of 2 of the flights and lodging/meal accommodations.  Your support of the raffle at the annual meeting will cover the cost of the 3rd flight.  We will report on the meetings when we return.


Legislative update - May 2009

Great News From AADE! We now have a House Bill number (HR 2425) and our e-petition in support of DSMT is up and running. The purpose of this e-petition is get as many people to tell Congress to pass the Medicare DSMT Act as part of national health reform. The petition is open to the public and we are asking that you spread the word and get your peers, patients, friends, families, etc… to sign and support this effort.
 
Click Here to view the e- pention
 Here are some ways you can spread the word:

  • Save the e-petition, where possible, available in your office for patients to sign
  • Send the link with a quick note to your family and friends encouraging them to support this effort and ask them to forward along as well
  • Add the URL to your signature line on emails

Legislative Advocate Activist Wanted

 

Do you have a desire to help move the role of the diabetes educator into the position it Deserves?  Do you want to help make history?  You can make a difference by joining with WADE’s Legislative Committee to help move legislation in Congress to include CDE's as Medicare providers of DSMT.  We need a champion who is motivated to learn the legislative process and help monitor congressional activities both in WA DC and Olympia.  This will demand time and effort as well as dedication, initiation and inspiration.  The time commitment is around 10 hours a month or more.  Education and mentoring is available for those interested.  Please contact  Shirley Vacanti, RN, BSN, CDE or Becky Petty, RN for more information.  You can also get more information during the Annual Meeting in Spokane by going to the Legislative Display.
 

Follow the Four W's to Help Move Legislation in DC in 2009/2010

What ?  

WADE can play an important part in the passing of legislation in Congress to include CDE's as Medicare providers of DSMT by petitioning key WA State Congressional Representatives. 

 

Why ? 

A recent & urgent request from the AADE asked if members of WADE would petition both Congresswoman Marie Cantwell who is a member of the Senate Finance Committee and Congressman McDermott who is a member of the Ways and Means Committee to step up and support this vital legislation.

 

Why Cantwell and McDermott? 

The Ways and Means Committee has jurisdiction over Medicare legislation.  There is a need for a Senate champion (sponsor) of the companion to the House bill for the recognition of the CDE.

 

What can WADE members do? 

E-mail letters to both Cantwell and McDermott. Sign the petitions at the WADE Legislative table at the annual meeting in Spokane. 

The following documents will help you as you write your letters.  (link to the documents that I will attach)