Re: Auto Response from Marco Rubio (thanking me for my concerns on genetically engineered food)
James DeWees
Description
Collection
Title:
Re: Auto Response from Marco Rubio (thanking me for my concerns on genetically engineered food)
Creator:
James DeWees
Date:
9/4/2015
Text:
Hello Everyone,
I wanted to also comment about my response that I had with my congressman in Indiana.
I have kept them informed about the problems we face in this profession (Audits, denials, constantly changing policies, and NOW the new LCD changes).
I went to the meeting in Baltimore and listened to 3 hours of people (amputees, prosthetists, physicians, therapists, etc.) really speak directly and at times harshly to the medical directors who were sitting on the front row.
Then I went to DC on one of the chartered buses, I had my 13 year old son with me. I am have a below knee amputation. My son was born in China missing his right hand, adopted at age 5. The rally was impressive, we got a lot of attention.
At 4 pm some of our leaders were invited in to a meeting in the Health and Human Services building. They came out of the meeting smiling and said it was a positive meeting, and hopefully opens a dialogue with CMS and HHS.
On Thursday morning, I had an appointment scheduled with Todd Young (R) who is my congressman. I met with his staff member who oversees the Medical policies. She came into the room with a big smile, she has spent a LOT of time researching everything that I had sent to her. She was very much on top of the issues. She said that she has some good news for me, and showed me an email. The email was from a contact at HHS, and this was also sent on behalf of CMS responding to the request for information on this LCD. The email clearly stated that this LCD would NOT be finished or implemented as written. It also indicated that they were unhappy with the contracted Medical Directors, they were very unclear on what their objectives were for this LCD. They were going to be having some meetings with the contractors to find out what they were trying to accomplish.
I did get an email from this staff member yesterday with a copy of this email, with the formal response from HHS/CMS regarding this LCD. I am VERY happy to know that our rally and our unified voice was heard and DID make a difference.
The fight is far from over. Now is the time that WE, as a profession, come up with some POSITIVE and some MEANINGFUL changes that WE can propose to CMS and the contractors that will help eliminate the fraud, abuse, over utilization of expensive components, etc. WE can do some work now to show them that we are aware of their concerns and that WE are trying to find a solution to help fix this issue.
I was also VERY happy and please with the response that I have gotten from Todd Young and his office in the Congress. I know that this office has been speaking out on this, they have tried to find answers for me.
I have spoken to other practitioners who were there, they are also aware of how things stand today.
We all need to do OUR part to help offer some solutions and some meaningful changes that we can present to CMS. We must work WITH these entities who clearly do not know much about what we do. It was very apparent in the meeing in Baltimore that these medical directors are not very informed on how this profession works, and about prosthetic limbs. Unfortunately, there IS a Certified Prosthetist who sits on the board for Region D, Noridian. He was at this meeting, he was the time keeper holding up the yellow paper when time was running out for the speakers. I did not know this at the time, but he is part of OUR profession. He helped author this LCD that does so much harm to the amputees. I cannot imagine ANY prosthetist who cares about amputees and their lives and functional abilities, being part of this LCD. That is shameful, in my opinion. (I know I am not alone in this opinion either).
Anyway, I wanted to share my thoughts on this, and share also that we DID gain some ground at this rally and the presence at the LCD meeting last week.
Also, I wanted to thank ALL of those who were there, everyone that spoke up and shared their thoughts and feelings about this LCD. Also a huge thanks to AOPA for their work in providing the buses and lunch boxes for all of us who were there. AOPA did an outstanding job in getting this all arranged.
I was a little bit disappointed in the Amputee Coalition of America, I would have expected a better turn out of supporters from the ACA. They did have one person who spoke, he did a great job. The ACA could have offered some support and help with the rally, in my opinion.
There was a huge support from a couple of Facebook groups who showed up in a big way, and so they deserve a huge THANKS for getting the word out on social media. That made a HUGE impact.
Thanks again to everyone,
Jim DeWees, CP
-----Original Message-----
From: Orthotics and Prosthetics List [mailto:<Email Address Redacted>] On Behalf Of Cameron Lehrer
Sent: Thursday, September 3, 2015 11:17 AM
To: <Email Address Redacted>
Subject: [OANDP-L] Auto Response from Marco Rubio (thanking me for my concerns on genetically engineered food)
So I practice in the South Florida Community. As most people know we have an extremely large Medicare Beneficiary population. Just as most or all O&P professional and amputees are concerned about the proposed LCD change to Medicare (most likely influencing private insurances as well) I did what I could to promote the We the People petition and information to the general public through social media outlets.
Of course I signed the petition, and even filled out AOPA's form letter to send to FL Rep. Lois Frankel, Sen. Marco Rubio, and Sen. Bill Nelson. I only received one response - It was Sen. Marco Rubio. His form response was ridiculous - He thanked me for my concerns regarding genetically engineered food! What a joke this guy is... didn't have my vote before, but certainly never have it now. What a dolt!
This guy, who is a Senator in a state with one of the highest Medicare populations, couldn't be bothered to have one of his aids research or even skim through the email to send out the correct form letter response.
I love how he thanks me for expressing my concerns, and how it is an honor and privilege to serve the people of Florida and the U.S.
Yes, your non-related response speaks volumes of how much you care, and what an honor it is to serve the people of FL - NO ONE who is an amputee or works in O&P should even consider voting for this troglodyte in his presidential campaign.
I attached his auto response email below for everyone's amusement.
Cameron Lehrer, LPO
Fort Lauderdale, FL
*Responding to your message*
2 messages
------------------------------
*Senator Marco Rubio *< <Email Address Redacted> >Mon, Aug 31, 2015 at
9:40 PM
To:
Dear Mr. Lehrer,
Thank you for contacting me regarding genetically engineered food. I appreciate hearing from you and would like to take this opportunity to address your concerns.
Over the past twenty years, advances in biotechnology have led to the increased use of genetic engineering to produce many of the food products consumed by Americans. Originally, genetic engineering was used to enhance the production yield and resiliency of field crops, like tomatoes and corn, but modern techniques have expanded the use of genetic engineering to a wide range of commercially available food products, like dairy, fish, and meat. Additionally, genetically engineered food products have been safely approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
As you may know, Representative Mike Pompeo (R-KS) introduced H.R.1599, the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act of 2015, which would establish a federal standard preventing mandatory labeling of genetically modified ingredients in food, unless the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) finds such foods unsafe. On July 23, 2015, the bipartisan legislation passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 275-150.
I believe common-sense, market-oriented solutions based on sound science are the best approach to protecting consumers. I will remain mindful of your concerns should legislation addressing genetically engineered food come before the full Senate for consideration.
Again, thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with me. It is an honor and privilege to serve the people of Florida in the United States Senate. If I can be of further assistance please do not hesitate to contact my office.
Sincerely,
Marco Rubio
United States Senator
Each week I provide a weekly update on issues in Washington and ways in which my office can assist the people of Florida. Sign up here < <URL Redacted>> for updates on my legislative efforts, schedule of events throughout Florida, constituent services and much more.
--------------------------------------------
Cameron M. Lehrer,LPO, CPO
I wanted to also comment about my response that I had with my congressman in Indiana.
I have kept them informed about the problems we face in this profession (Audits, denials, constantly changing policies, and NOW the new LCD changes).
I went to the meeting in Baltimore and listened to 3 hours of people (amputees, prosthetists, physicians, therapists, etc.) really speak directly and at times harshly to the medical directors who were sitting on the front row.
Then I went to DC on one of the chartered buses, I had my 13 year old son with me. I am have a below knee amputation. My son was born in China missing his right hand, adopted at age 5. The rally was impressive, we got a lot of attention.
At 4 pm some of our leaders were invited in to a meeting in the Health and Human Services building. They came out of the meeting smiling and said it was a positive meeting, and hopefully opens a dialogue with CMS and HHS.
On Thursday morning, I had an appointment scheduled with Todd Young (R) who is my congressman. I met with his staff member who oversees the Medical policies. She came into the room with a big smile, she has spent a LOT of time researching everything that I had sent to her. She was very much on top of the issues. She said that she has some good news for me, and showed me an email. The email was from a contact at HHS, and this was also sent on behalf of CMS responding to the request for information on this LCD. The email clearly stated that this LCD would NOT be finished or implemented as written. It also indicated that they were unhappy with the contracted Medical Directors, they were very unclear on what their objectives were for this LCD. They were going to be having some meetings with the contractors to find out what they were trying to accomplish.
I did get an email from this staff member yesterday with a copy of this email, with the formal response from HHS/CMS regarding this LCD. I am VERY happy to know that our rally and our unified voice was heard and DID make a difference.
The fight is far from over. Now is the time that WE, as a profession, come up with some POSITIVE and some MEANINGFUL changes that WE can propose to CMS and the contractors that will help eliminate the fraud, abuse, over utilization of expensive components, etc. WE can do some work now to show them that we are aware of their concerns and that WE are trying to find a solution to help fix this issue.
I was also VERY happy and please with the response that I have gotten from Todd Young and his office in the Congress. I know that this office has been speaking out on this, they have tried to find answers for me.
I have spoken to other practitioners who were there, they are also aware of how things stand today.
We all need to do OUR part to help offer some solutions and some meaningful changes that we can present to CMS. We must work WITH these entities who clearly do not know much about what we do. It was very apparent in the meeing in Baltimore that these medical directors are not very informed on how this profession works, and about prosthetic limbs. Unfortunately, there IS a Certified Prosthetist who sits on the board for Region D, Noridian. He was at this meeting, he was the time keeper holding up the yellow paper when time was running out for the speakers. I did not know this at the time, but he is part of OUR profession. He helped author this LCD that does so much harm to the amputees. I cannot imagine ANY prosthetist who cares about amputees and their lives and functional abilities, being part of this LCD. That is shameful, in my opinion. (I know I am not alone in this opinion either).
Anyway, I wanted to share my thoughts on this, and share also that we DID gain some ground at this rally and the presence at the LCD meeting last week.
Also, I wanted to thank ALL of those who were there, everyone that spoke up and shared their thoughts and feelings about this LCD. Also a huge thanks to AOPA for their work in providing the buses and lunch boxes for all of us who were there. AOPA did an outstanding job in getting this all arranged.
I was a little bit disappointed in the Amputee Coalition of America, I would have expected a better turn out of supporters from the ACA. They did have one person who spoke, he did a great job. The ACA could have offered some support and help with the rally, in my opinion.
There was a huge support from a couple of Facebook groups who showed up in a big way, and so they deserve a huge THANKS for getting the word out on social media. That made a HUGE impact.
Thanks again to everyone,
Jim DeWees, CP
-----Original Message-----
From: Orthotics and Prosthetics List [mailto:<Email Address Redacted>] On Behalf Of Cameron Lehrer
Sent: Thursday, September 3, 2015 11:17 AM
To: <Email Address Redacted>
Subject: [OANDP-L] Auto Response from Marco Rubio (thanking me for my concerns on genetically engineered food)
So I practice in the South Florida Community. As most people know we have an extremely large Medicare Beneficiary population. Just as most or all O&P professional and amputees are concerned about the proposed LCD change to Medicare (most likely influencing private insurances as well) I did what I could to promote the We the People petition and information to the general public through social media outlets.
Of course I signed the petition, and even filled out AOPA's form letter to send to FL Rep. Lois Frankel, Sen. Marco Rubio, and Sen. Bill Nelson. I only received one response - It was Sen. Marco Rubio. His form response was ridiculous - He thanked me for my concerns regarding genetically engineered food! What a joke this guy is... didn't have my vote before, but certainly never have it now. What a dolt!
This guy, who is a Senator in a state with one of the highest Medicare populations, couldn't be bothered to have one of his aids research or even skim through the email to send out the correct form letter response.
I love how he thanks me for expressing my concerns, and how it is an honor and privilege to serve the people of Florida and the U.S.
Yes, your non-related response speaks volumes of how much you care, and what an honor it is to serve the people of FL - NO ONE who is an amputee or works in O&P should even consider voting for this troglodyte in his presidential campaign.
I attached his auto response email below for everyone's amusement.
Cameron Lehrer, LPO
Fort Lauderdale, FL
*Responding to your message*
2 messages
------------------------------
*Senator Marco Rubio *< <Email Address Redacted> >Mon, Aug 31, 2015 at
9:40 PM
To:
Dear Mr. Lehrer,
Thank you for contacting me regarding genetically engineered food. I appreciate hearing from you and would like to take this opportunity to address your concerns.
Over the past twenty years, advances in biotechnology have led to the increased use of genetic engineering to produce many of the food products consumed by Americans. Originally, genetic engineering was used to enhance the production yield and resiliency of field crops, like tomatoes and corn, but modern techniques have expanded the use of genetic engineering to a wide range of commercially available food products, like dairy, fish, and meat. Additionally, genetically engineered food products have been safely approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
As you may know, Representative Mike Pompeo (R-KS) introduced H.R.1599, the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act of 2015, which would establish a federal standard preventing mandatory labeling of genetically modified ingredients in food, unless the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) finds such foods unsafe. On July 23, 2015, the bipartisan legislation passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 275-150.
I believe common-sense, market-oriented solutions based on sound science are the best approach to protecting consumers. I will remain mindful of your concerns should legislation addressing genetically engineered food come before the full Senate for consideration.
Again, thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with me. It is an honor and privilege to serve the people of Florida in the United States Senate. If I can be of further assistance please do not hesitate to contact my office.
Sincerely,
Marco Rubio
United States Senator
Each week I provide a weekly update on issues in Washington and ways in which my office can assist the people of Florida. Sign up here < <URL Redacted>> for updates on my legislative efforts, schedule of events throughout Florida, constituent services and much more.
--------------------------------------------
Cameron M. Lehrer,LPO, CPO
Citation
James DeWees, “Re: Auto Response from Marco Rubio (thanking me for my concerns on genetically engineered food),” Digital Resource Foundation for Orthotics and Prosthetics, accessed November 24, 2024, https://library.drfop.org/items/show/237664.
