While the addition of these words to the bill
would not mean that CPMs and licensed midwives would
automatically be included in HMOs and other insurance policies,
leaving them out (the present wording) would certainly
give HMOs, etc., good reason not to include these
providers in their policies. <br>The suggested language
does not include unregulated midwives, even if they
are apparently legal, because HMOs and other
insurance plans try to minimize their legal vulnerability
by including only providers that are credentialed
<br>and government-regulated. However, even with this
limitation, the inclusion of midwifery services (in all
settings) would be a huge step forward. No matter what
state you live in, write to your Senator and
Congressperson TODAY <br>to tell them you want HMOs to include
the choice of midwifery care in all settings. <br>The
reality is that our suggested change probably will not be
included -- it will be a real coup if we even get even one
minute of attention in the midst of all the high-powered
lobbyists. And even if it is passed by Congress, the bill is
likely to be vetoed by President Bush. However, this
opportunity to communicate to Congress about midwifery should
not be passed up! Also, Pam <br>Maurath will be going
to Washington in a few days and can deliver directly
to Sen. Daschle's office copies of your letters and
e-mails along with <br>additional midwifery information.
The more letters, faxes and e-mails there are, the
more Sen. Daschle will realize that this is an
important issue to consumers. In addition, Pam has v1. Read
the sample letter, etc., below. <br><br>2. Find a fax
or e-mail address for your Senator and for your
Representative. Go to: &lt;www.washlaw.edu&gt;&gt; click on your
state, then scroll down to "Congressional Delegation" to
find links to websites for each Congressperson, with
contact information. Last week we focused on our
Senators, NOW IT TIME TO WRITE YOUR REPRESENTATIVES!
<br><br><br><br>The next reply to this thread is a continuation of
what to do and how to do it ! Please read and become
active ASAP, TONIGHT OR TODAY!