WATERLOO, IA – Every morning after I sit down and turn on my computer, I know it won’t be long before the phone starts ringing. This week it was Cindy, a senior in rural Illinois who didn’t know how she was going to pay for her CPAP supplies. Last month it was Ken, a pastor in Alabama who was fearful about the impact of Medicare’s HME cuts on the disabled members of his congregation.
I have been taking these calls, along with my colleagues at People for Quality Care, for more than 6 years to help bring clarity to those on the other line, while compelling them to use their voices to fight against inefficient health care policies.
People for Quality Care was an idea born from Van Miller and executives at VGM who felt the industry was missing a key element in their advocacy efforts on the Hill—the patient. At that time, many patients were unaware of how competitive bidding was hurting access to care or how to voice their frustrations.
Over the years, we have worked tirelessly, educating patients and Congress, about the consequences of poor health care policy. We have written stories, presented to provider associations and collaborated with disease state groups, such as the COPD Foundation.
This spring, we merged with Save My Medical Supplies, an initiative of AAHomecare to amplify consumer advocacy efforts. I am proud of how far we’ve come, but recognize more work must be done. Your support is key! Learn more at www.peopleforqualitycare.org.
Kelly Turner is director of Advocacy, People for Quality Care, Waterloo, Iowa.