Congressman Tim Bishop

[mssfire]

After the March Support Group meeting I sent an e-mail to Congressman Tim Bishop extending an invitation to him to attend one of our Support Group meetings to discuss the politics involved in getting bariatric surgery mandated by insurance companies. This is the response that I got today:

Dear Ms. Campbell,

I received your e-mail asking the Congressman to attend one of your monthly meetings, however, the Congressman is in Washington most Tuesday evenings. If you are willing to wait until August, I can schedule him to come to the August meeting, or I could send a representative from the office to attend and speak on his behalf at a sooner meeting.

Please advise. Thank you and I look forward to hearing from you.

Jennifer Gunn

SO....what does everyone think? Would you like to wait unti August and see the man himself or would you want to have one of his reps come sooner? My opinion is to wait until August...I think discussing this firsthand with our Congressman is a great idea. BUT....it's up to the group. Let me know what you think, and I'll also bring it up @ the May meeting and we'll make a decision.

[elaine]

Cheryl,

You go girl.........I think we should wait until August as well. In order to inform him of our problems and make him understand, it should be directed to HIM from us. You can't expect that it will get back to him in the manner of which it needs to unless he hears it and sees it for himself.

Good going girlfriend
~elaine

[Beechie44]

Cheryl,
I happen to be friends w/ Tim and have discussed the surgery with him on quite a few occasions. He's seen 1st hand how I have progressed over the last 3+ yrs and has been amazed!
I never thought to invite him to one of our meetings, what a GREAT idea! He is very easy to talk with and he listens intently to all issues. He takes being our representative very seriously. I know he will learn a lot from all of us! So I definetly say we should wait till August to have him attend the meeting.

Judy

[hawk1989 (RNY)]

Cheryl,

That is terrific. I think I would rather wait until August also so that he will personally appear.

On another note, I have been in contact with Legislator Jay Schneiderman's office and am trying to set a date for him to come to one of our meetings. In speaking with his assistant, Eric Brown and secretary Jackie, it sounds very doable. I will keep everyone posted.

Christine

[Desdemona]

SO....what does everyone think? Would you like to wait unti August and see the man himself or would you want to have one of his reps come sooner? My opinion is to wait until August...I think discussing this firsthand with our Congressman is a great idea. BUT....it's up to the group. Let me know what you think, and I'll also bring it up @ the May meeting and we'll make a decision.

Oh, I hope you wait until August, Cheryl. I am hoping to be able to make it to the July and August meetings... if Kim is still willing to go with me. I was turned down by my insurance for the surgery and am in the process of going through it all again. I'd have a few words for our congressman; oh yes I would!

Still Fighting,
Jan
zkv mvx

[mssfire]

Okey Dokey....due to the feedback I received I've notified Cong. Bishops' office we would like him to attend the August Meeting. If there is any change I'll let everyone know. This should be a great meeting! But then, ALL our meetings are great! Thanks for all your help, everyone! x1114

[mssfire]

I just got off the phone with Cong. Bishops' scheduling assistant Jennifer Gunn, and she has confirmed that the Congressman will definitely be attending our support group meeting in August. I think this will be a fabulous opportunity for us to see what our representatives and our Congress think about getting legislation passed to force insurance companies to cover bariatric surgery, amongst any other questions you might have. I advised the Congressmans' rep that we would like a question and answer type meeting with him, so start thinking about your questions NOW!!! (Personally, I have to write things down all the time now, CRS, you know...)

So mark your calendars to make sure you don't have any conflicts for our August meeting...it's going to be great! (I've already rescheduled a business trip) See you all there!

[mssfire]

Congressman Tim Bishop is confirmed to attend our August meeting. I hope everyone can attend!