On June 19, 2003
2,000 PTs, PTAs, and PT and PTA students from all 50 states gathered on
Capitol Hill to rally in support of legislation for Direct Access under
Medicare and removal of the Medicare therapy cap. Direct access bill
(HR793/S493) sponsors Lincoln and Rep Earl Pomeroy (D-ND) along with APTA
President Ben Massey, Jr, PT, MA, and APTA CEO Frank Mallon spoke to the
crowd about the necessity of this legislation. In honor of this history-making
event, the APTA House of Delegates officially proclaimed June 19, 2003,
"The Medicare Beneficiary Access to Physical Therapists Act Day on Capitol
Hill."
UDPT
Students at the Rally with APTA President Ben Massey, Jr, PT, MA
DPTA members at the rally.
Following the
rally, the Delaware contingent visited the offices of state legislators
to discuss current legislation of importance to Physical Therapists in
the state. DPTA members stressed the importance of this legislation
in cutting costs and optimizing care for Medicare beneficiaries.
Students,
faculty and DPTA members visiting with Delaware legislators.
- For more information on the March, visit the APTA website.