INFO: Action Alert! Targeted Senate Advocacy Needed on Medicare

As time is of the essence, I am sending this APA Practice Alert to you for action today. Even if you are not in practice - this is important to your work. Please call today to urge your Senator (below) to stay strong in support of the recently passed Medicare bill (H.R. 6331) and to press the President to sign the bill immediately. Go grass roots! Merla

Dr. M. Arnold, PhD, RN Licensed Psychologist - Registered Nurse Psychological Services, Behavioral Health  Counseling, Consultation and Education Focused on the Needs of Older Adults Western Suffolk/Eastern Nassau Counties, LI, NY Long Term Care Settings (631) 271-9863  "It is unwise to be too sure of one's own wisdom.  It is healthy to be reminded that the strongest might weaken  and the wisest might err." Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948)  "It is better to know the patient who has the disease than it is to know the disease which the patient has."  Hippocrates (460 BC - 377 BC)

Date: July 14, 2008

To: SPTA and Practice Division Federal Advocacy Coordinators

APAGS Coordinators

From: Marilyn Richmond, J.D., Assistant Executive Director for Government Relations

American Psychological Association Practice Organization

Cc: Katherine Nordal, Ph.D., Executive Director for Professional Practice

SPTA Executive Directors

SPTA Directors of Professional Affairs

CAPP

Re: Targeted Senate Advocacy Needed on Medicare

Enactment of the Medicare bill (H.R. 6331) is within reach. Unfortunately, the President is expected to veto the measure, despite its widespread support and overwhelming passage in both the House and Senate. We will need a two-thirds vote in each chamber to override the anticipated veto. If all of the current YES votes stay with us, our allies will be able to override the veto and finally enact this critically needed legislation.

As you know, the APA Practice Organization strongly supports H.R. 6331, which would restore for 18 months $45 million to psychotherapy and related services cut as a result of the five-year review, halt the 10.6% Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) cut, provide a 1.1% update for 2009, and phase in Medicare coinsurance parity.

We need your help to shore up support among these targeted Republican Senators:

Alaska – Lisa Murkowski (202-224-6665)

Alaska – Ted Stevens (202-224-3004)

Florida – Mel Martinez* (202-224-3041)

Georgia – Saxby Chambliss* (202-224-3521)

Georgia – Johnny Isakson* (202-224-3643)

Kansas – Pat Roberts (202-224-4774)

Minnesota – Norm Coleman (202-224-5641)

North Carolina – Elizabeth Dole (202-224-6342)

Ohio – George Voinovich (202-224-3353)

Pennsylvania – Arlen Specter* (202-224-4254)

Tennessee – Lamar Alexander* (202-224-4944)

Tennessee – Bob Corker* (202-224-3344)

Texas – John Cornyn* (202-224-2934)

Texas – Kay Bailey Hutchison* (202-224-5922)

Virginia – John Warner* (202-224-2023)

* indicates Republicans who changed their votes from NAY to AYE (voted against ending debate and proceeding to consideration of H.R. 6331 on June 26 and for it on July 9)

If you are a constituent of one of these Senators, please call today!

Phone Call:

I am a psychologist and a constituent, and I am calling to urge the Senator to stay strong in support of the recently passed Medicare bill (H.R. 6331) and press the President to sign the bill immediately. This legislation is desperately needed and will make a real difference for patients like mine.

Jeff Cook, J.D.

Director of Field & State Operations

American Psychological Association Practice Organization

750 First Street, NE

Washington, DC 20002

(202) 336-5875 (Office)

(202) 336-5797 (Fax)

jcook@apa.org (Email)