Minnesota HomeCare Association Grassroots Involvement A Guide to Help Home Care Become More Involved In the Decision Making Process

With whom do we meet? With whom do we meet? U.S. Congressional Delegation (U.S. Senators & Representatives) - Federal Issues Governor and Legislators (State Senators & Representatives) - State Issues County Commissioners - Local County Issues

Why do we need to meet with Legislators? Why do we need to meet with Legislators? We are regulated by State and Federal government. They determine rates for services for both Medical Assistance and Medicare. Health Care Reform is here. Home Care needs to be seen as am important player.

Why (cont.) Why (cont.) Gain support for issues related to Home Care. Put Home Care on the map!

How do we meet with them? How do we meet with them? Set up appointment, preferably when they are not in session. Region meetings Host a public forum Attend town hall meetings. Have a small group meet together. Invite on a home visit.

How (cont.) How (cont.) Meet in your local district if possible. Meet at the legislature when our issues are being debated. Send letters, s and make phone calls Establish a relationship with legislative staff

What do we say? What do we say? Tell them where you live. Tell them what you do – where you work and job duties. Explain your business – number of clients & employees. Thank them for what they have supported in the past (if they supported issues).

What (cont.) What (cont.) Ask for their help – Support for specific issues related to Home Health Care Agencies. Give them a description of your agency demographics and issues. Thank them for their time.

The Challenge Ahead The Challenge Ahead Minnesota is required to balance its budget. Primary Legislative Agenda this year: ◦ $1 Billion projected deficit for FY2009

Cuts in Human Services Are Seen As A Way to Balance the Budget ◦ Provider rate payments  May look at across the board reductions ◦ Program Eligibility  May limit access to Medical Assistance/MN Care programs ◦ Benefit set  May look at cuts in services from the menu.

What can you do? What can you do? Be part of the solution. Spread the word to your employees, clients and their families. Team up with MHCA.

Tell Lawmakers… That increasing Home & Community- based Services creates savings! Reforming LTC means supporting Home Care. Let the dollars follow the client out of the nursing home.

How can MHCA help? How can MHCA help? Identify priorities and develop Fact Sheets for use by all provider members Find legislative sponsors to introduce home care legislation. Monitor and influence issues related to home care.

Help from MHCA (cont.) Help from MHCA (cont.) Help you identify your legislator, set up appointments and accompany you to meetings with your legislator. Be your resource – provide pointers on what to say and handouts for you to give to legislators.

Help from MHCA (cont.) Help from MHCA (cont.) Set up group meetings with lawmakers. Candidate Forums (pre-election); or Town Hall Forums (post-election) Inform you of progress and final outcomes of legislative efforts.

Materials for Participants Materials for Participants MHCA Grassroots Materials Links to Legislative Directory – Legislators’ names, addresses & phone numbers Links to Committee lists – Members of relevant committee members and phone numbers Fact Sheets – Simplify the Message; Offer a Solution

For More Information… For More Information… State Senate: State House: U.S. Congress – House: U.S. Congress – Senate: