Are you tired of discriminatory practices against birth centers and or midwives? If your answer is yes, then do something about it. Tell your legislators about barriers to midwifery and birth center care. We all know to effect change we must participate in the democratic process, yet we have tendency to let someone else do it. Today, take the first step. On two occasions this year the American Associaton of Birth Centers (AABC) submitted comments to federal agencies recounting the experiences of birth centers with anti-competitive and discriminatory practices in opening and operating birth centers and receiving payment from Medicaid and insurance companies for the services we provide. This is an opportune time to use these documents to educate your Senators and Representatives. Why now? Our elected officials need to understand our issues and the problems we face in trying to provide high quality maternity care to women and families. When they understand the issues we face, they are better equipped to help us. The Federal Government controls much of what happens in birth centers - Medicaid, Healthcare Reform, Health & Human Services, and other agencies. It is important for your legislators to know you - your name and the name of your birth center. Here is a sample of what you can write: SAMPLE TEXT FOR EMAIL TO LEGISLATORS – 7.25.14 Good morning, My name is and I am a at in , and I work with/support women and families in my community. Birth centers are maternity care providers with excellent outcomes, patient satisfaction, and cost savings. I am sending you some important information that affects our ability to provide care in an optimal manner. Recently, my organization, the American Association of Birth Centers submitted comments on my behalf to the FTC, and to the CMS/IRS/Department of Labor concerning issues that make our practice difficult including anti-competitive practices and discrimination with insurance provider contracts. Consumers feel overwhelmed, powerless and often, bullied when dealing with their health plans and health insurance carriers. Please read the comments we filed with these agencies. AABC Comments to the Departments of Treasury, Labor and Health & Human Services* press release - birthcenters.org/content/aabc-submits-comments-departments-treasury-labor-and-health-human-services* comments - birthcenters.org/webfm_send/164 AABC Comments to the Federal Trade Commission* press release - birthcenters.org/content/aabc-tells-ftc-about-barriers-birth-center-care * comments - birthcenters.org/webfm_send/162 I look forward to discussing this with you and hope you will be able to assist me with some of these issues. Sincerely, Here is some info on finding out who represents you: 1. US Senate: senate.gov then select Senators then choose your State. 2. US House of Representatives: house.gov and enter in your zip code 3. For finding out info on your Texas House and Senate-house.state.tx.us
Posted on: Tue, 29 Jul 2014 17:56:14 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015