FAQ’s

WHAT IS CSIHME?
CSIHME is a non-profit business league created solely to advance the agenda of the independent provider community in Congress through a lobbyist, and to create and use positive public relations activities using a publicist to inform policy makers about the true value of the home medical equipment provider.

HOW WILL IT FUNCTION?
To accomplish these goals, CSIHME will seek contributions from providers and interested parties to support the activities of a lobby firm and a publicist who will focus solely on the needs and desires of independent providers and small businesses in the DME industry.

HOW WILL IT BE GOVERNED?
CSIHME is a limited liability company led by a 4-person executive committee of independent providers who are the founding members. These 4 providers are also a part of a 15 to 25 person Legislative Activity Board (LAB) who represent all other members and who will approve the message being advanced. The organization has filed for 501(c)(6) status.

WHO WILL CONTROL THE MESSAGE?
The message advanced by this organization will be determined by the independent industry and developed by the CSIHME Legislative Activity Board (LAB). The opinions and input of the independent providers supporting this cause will be sought directly via a password controlled online survey process and the message will be based on a two-thirds majority vote of the LAB. Participating state HME associations will also have a vote in determination of the message.

WHY WAS IT FORMED?
CSIHME grew at the provider level out of a need to have the views and message of the independent provider community play a role in the future of healthcare. It began as a movement in Virginia and Georgia to hire a lobbyist to work for the independent provider community.

Big national and very large private companies all have one or more lobbyists working on their behalf to sell their agendas to legislators. Often these agendas differ greatly from the needs and goals of small independent providers. The founders of this movement are passionate in their view that the small independent is not represented by any lobby or public relations entity in Washington. The movement has grown quickly through provider involvement and state organization input and it became apparent that we must act now rather than later. The result is CSIHME, an organization that will be responsive to the input of small business and who will act on their behalf to advance legislation and legislative goals that will keep the independent provider community viable and vibrant.

HOW CAN PROVIDERS PARTICIPATE?
CSIHME will seek contributions from independent providers and other interested parties to fund the activities. Contributions are required in order to be a stakeholder and have a voice in this organization. The suggested contribution amounts range from $100.00 to $10,000.00. 40% of all contributions are tax deductible as business expenses, and 60% of contributions are for lobby purposes and are not tax deductible. All contributors will have a vote in the direction of CSIHME. The success of CSIHME will depend on the financial support of the independent provider community. LAB members are expected to contribute at the $10,000.00 level.

Providers who participate will have a stake in their destiny and a chance to change public policy for the HME industry for the first time ever. CSIHME does not replace any other organization and exists solely for the two stated goals. Membership in state and national organizations is strongly encouraged.