VNSNY Ramps Up Grassroots Advocacy Efforts
As part of VNSNY’s ongoing effort to help shape state and federal policy so that we can continue to provide the best possible care to our patients and members, the organization has begun enlisting our own staff as advocates. “Some of the legislation and policies that come out of Albany and Washington, DC can have a big impact on our ability to serve our members and patients effectively,” says Dan Lowenstein, VNSNY’s Vice President of Government Affairs. “When elected officials hear from VNSNY employees who are their constituents and have the power of the vote, they’re more likely to pay attention.”
Last week, VNSNY President and CEO Marki Flannery sent an email encouraging VNSNY staff to urge their Congressional representatives to support the Home Health Payment Act, which would prevent the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) from making an 8% cut to Medicare home health reimbursements. This outreach was part of a coordinated effort with state and federal associations that represent home health agencies.
Numerous VNSNY employees have already responded to Marki’s appeal. Staff members have also expressed appreciation for the opportunity to make their voices heard. “It was a tremendous idea to get all staff involved,” noted one VNSNY employee. “I would not have known how to contact my representatives about this bill without the instructions from Government Affairs.”
For this outreach, VNSNY used an online grassroots advocacy campaign from LeadingAge, one of its national membership associations. Soon, Government Affairs will be rolling out its own online platform that will make it even easier for employees to participate in grassroots advocacy.
“Once the platform is up and running, staff members will have the opportunity to support more VNSNY policy priorities,” notes Dan. “We think our impact will only get stronger over time.”
How to Contact Your Members of Congress About the Home Health Payment Act
If you’d like to respond to Marki’s request and email your members of Congress about supporting this important bill, simply go to LeadingAge’s Call to Action web page by clicking here.
Once you get there, make one simple change in the box under “Dear Official”: Replace the phrase “provider of home health services” with the phrase “employee of the Visiting Nurse Service of New York (VNSNY), the largest not-for-profit home and community-based health care organization in the U.S.”
The website will automatically send your message to your U.S. Representative and U.S. Senators, based on your home address. After you’ve sent the message, please also email [email protected] to let us know that you took action. That way, we can track our efforts and follow up with the members of Congress.
Since this particular legislation is a Federal bill, you can help by contacting your members of Congress wherever you live—whether you reside in New York or a different state.
