Dr. Mark McClellan
Administrator
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
Hubert H. Humphrey Building, 314-G
200 Independence Avenue S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20201

Dear Dr. McClellan:

The undersigned organizations participating in the United to Protect Quality Care coalition are writing to express our desire to provide input into the development of the gainsharing demonstrations authorized by the Deficit Reduction Act.

While we share the goal of encouraging doctors and hospitals to work together to improve quality, we have longstanding concerns that gainsharing, if not properly structured, could have the unintended consequence of harming patient care. All of the participating organizations have special expertise in the needs of patients, especially patients with serious medical conditions. We believe that we can contribute to structuring of a demonstration that will protect patient interests, and that patients should have the opportunity to make their views about the design of the demonstration known.

Accordingly, we respectfully request that you direct the staff developing the RFP for the demonstration to meet with us to allow us to express our concerns and learn how CMS will address them. We would also appreciate any opportunities to be involved in the demonstration in other ways.

Thank you for considering this request. Please have the appropriate person on your staff contact Joanne Howes at (202) 347-7911 with any questions or to arrange a meeting.

Yours sincerely,
WomenHeart: the National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease