American Association for Homecare

Thank you, Lincare, for being a Diamond Corporate Partner at AAHomecare! As a leading respiratory supplier, Lincare is transforming home respiratory care, providing comfort, convenience, and personalized care to 1.8 million patients.

Interested in partnering with us? We offer six partnership levels, each with unique benefits to connect with industry leaders. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/eYDt_2Qv

AAH Insider: CRT Advocacy Success, Power Standing Systems Coverage, and 75/25 Blended Relief Push

In this issue, we highlight CRT advocates' successful meetings with 49 Congressional offices to advance the Choices for Increased Mobility Act (H.R. 5371). We also spotlight a campaign urging Medicare coverage for power-standing systems and provide updates on the push to restore 75/25 blended rate relief.

Don’t miss out on these critical updates—click below to read more:
https://mailchi.mp/aahomecare/insider-sept-18-2024

AAH Insider: CRT Advocates Make Concerted Push for Carbon Fiber/Titanium Wheelchair Upgrade Legislation Ask Your Representatives to Join Sign-on Letter on Power Standing Systems for Power Wheelchairs -- Keeping the Pressure on for 75-25 Blended Rate Relief -- AAHomecare Extends Medtrade Partnership with Emerald -- AAHomecare Advocates for Continued Telehealth Flexibilities in PFS Proposed Rule -- CMS....

Now available for complimentary download!

Through our partnership with Medtrade, AAHomecare is offering this webinar titled "Payer to Patient to Paid: Optimize financial success". This presentation by Brightree experts Jennifer Leon and Ashley Brown was first offered at Medtrade in March 2024.

https://aahomecare.org/Education-and-Training -education-sessions

The webinar is complimentary to the HME industry and aims to provide valuable insights that will encourage you to check out the Medtrade 2025 Conference tracks and make plans to attend.

HME business leaders of all sizes are sharing how AAHomecare membership drives tangible results for their HME companies, enabling them to influence their future and protect their bottom line.

✨ Watch their video testimonials: aahomecare.org/Membership

Thank you, Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare, for being a Diamond Corporate Partner at AAHomecare! As a leading global manufacturer of durable medical equipment, your commitment to innovation, functionality, and value enhances quality of life and promotes individual independence.

Interested in partnering with us? Explore six partnership levels, each offering unique benefits to connect with industry leaders. Learn more here: https://aahomecare.org/Membership

Our Regulatory Council met in Arlington, VA over the past two days, with time to network between meetings. We’re thankful for our dedicated volunteer leaders who help shape the future of our industry!

Curious how your industry peers are gaining a strategic advantage allowing them to succeed in a constantly evolving marketplace?

Hear directly from business leaders on how AAHomecare membership is driving tangible results for their HME companies, enabling them to shape their future and protect their bottom line.

🎥 Watch their testimonials & learn how AAHomecare can help your company: https://ow.ly/Hiaq50TlgxW



Performance Home Medical, Spectrum Medical, Commonwealth Home Health Care, Inc., Penrod Medical

🙌 Thank you to everyone who participated in yesterday’s CRT Hill Day! Your support was key in advancing the Choices for Increased Mobility Act and ensuring better access to mobility solutions for individuals with disabilities.

More from today at CRT Hill Day: Justin Richarson from Numotion Foundation and Alexis Ward visiting Rep. Chip Roy and Ted Metcalf from U.S. Rehab engaging with Rep. Guthrie and Senate offices on the Choices for Increased Mobility Act.

📢 Advocacy in Action! Our team is in Washington, DC today discussing the Choices for Increased Mobility Act with Senate offices, including Sen. Blackburn (R-TN), who plans to introduce this vital legislation. The bill would restore access to titanium and carbon fiber wheelchairs, improving mobility for Medicare beneficiaries and others impacted by current policies.

AAHomecare strongly urges Senators to co-sponsor this important legislation. Senate offices can contact Senator Blackburn’s office to become an original co-sponsor.

Meet Alexis Ward, Senior Director of Payer Relations at AAHomecare. With 25+ years of experience in Complex Rehab Technology and mobility, Alexis is a leader in Medicaid and commercial payer negotiations and coverage criteria. Here’s her current focus:

- Payer Negotiations: Securing better rates and coverage for CRT through Medicaid and commercial payers.
- State initiatives: Working with legislators and industry leaders to implement improvements to the wheelchair repair process, pursuing changes to Medicaid policies and rules for better access to HME and CRT.
- CRT Hill Day: Advocating for H.R. 5371, the "Choices for Increased Mobility Act," to restore access to titanium and carbon fiber wheelchairs for Medicare beneficiaries and those with similar plans.

Outside of work, Alexis enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, and traveling.

Thank you, VieMed, for being a Diamond Corporate Partner at AAHomecare! Your commitment is instrumental in driving our advocacy initiatives and shaping the future of the home medical equipment industry.

Interested in joining our mission? We offer six corporate partnership levels, each designed to help you connect with industry leaders and make a lasting impact. Explore the possibilities here: https://aahomecare.org/Membership

🌟 Testimonial Thursday 🌟

See what AAHomecare membership offers! Jim Stephenson from Permobil (TN) shares:

"The one thing that stands out for me regarding our AAHomecare membership is having a seat at the table with some of the most brilliant minds in our industry. It’s a collaborative effort of everyone working toward common goals with a united voice."

Discover how AAHomecare can support your business: https://aahomecare.org/Membership

AAH Insider: End Users Join Efforts to Address NIV and CGM Access Issues



In this issue of AAHomecare's Insider, we highlight new portals for collecting stories from individuals facing access barriers for NIV and CGM. These stories will drive help our advocacy work. We also share news on an expected Senate bill regarding access to carbon fiber and titanium wheelchairs and recap our comments on CMS’s Comparative Billing Reports. Don’t miss out on information about our upcoming ePrescribing webinar and more!



Click here to read: https://mailchi.mp/aahomecare/insider-sept-4-2024?e=325b6ebf6e

AAHomecare is bringing together top ePrescribing technology companies to promote early adoption and improve DMEPOS suppliers' operations. By embracing this technology, suppliers are seeing gains in efficiency, cost savings, and better patient outcomes. As Tom Ryan, our president & CEO, said, “This technology saves time and money while benefiting patients, and it’s available right now.” He also noted, “Increased usage of ePrescribing will help deter large-scale fraudulent activities, strengthening our prescribing and payment systems.”

Learn more about how we're driving ePrescribing adoption: https://aahomecare.org/ePrescribing

Happy Labor Day from AAHomecare! We celebrate the achievements of the labor movement and the contributions of the HME community and healthcare workers everywhere. Have a great holiday!

Thank you, RoTech Healthcare, for being a Diamond Corporate Partner at AAHomecare! Your dedication to partnering with patients and empowering them to manage their health at home, enhances patient outcomes and quality of life across the care continuum.

Interested in partnering with us? We offer six partnership levels, each with unique benefits to connect with industry leaders. Learn more here: https://aahomecare.org/Membership

If you missed the latest edition of AAH Insider, now’s the time to catch up! We're highlighting the critical role of your advocacy in pushing for 75/25 blended rate relief and its prospects for inclusion in a larger legislative package this year. Your outreach is making waves—learn how you can help keep this momentum going!

Stay updated on these efforts and more—click here to read: https://ow.ly/eLcV50T8TQv

AAH Insider: Leveraging New Impact Study for High Impact Advocacy Hospital Bed and Orthoses added to F2F/WOPD Required List Effective August 12 -- Phase 1 of Prior Authorization Implementation for Orthoses and Osteogenesis Effective August 12 -- Leading Companies Level Up Commitment to HME Advocacy -- CEO Leaders Convene for Quarterly Meeting

Our Payer Relations Council gathered in person this week to discuss aligning industry standards for technology platforms and strategizing on upcoming state Medicaid initiatives. We're fortunate to have such dedicated advocates shaping the future of our industry!

Frustrated with the current operating environment and wish legislators took action?

Make advocacy easier with our FREE 15-minute webinar sharing tools to streamline & amplify your advocacy efforts. No more guesswork – the “Advocacy & Industry 101” on demand webinar provides clear, actionable steps that help you effectively share your story and make an impact. Perfect for those new to advocacy or looking to enhance your game.

🌟 What You’ll Gain:
Demystify industry jargon
Step-by-step advocacy guidance
Turnkey resources to tell your story
Confidence to engage with key stakeholders

Watch here: https://aahomecare.org/Webinar-101

Share this with an Industry friend; let's ensure our industry’s voice is heard loud and clear! 📢

August is National Breastfeeding Month! At AAHomecare, we're committed to supporting breastfeeding through our advocacy and outreach led by the Breastfeeding Coalition. To learn more about issues affecting breastfeeding moms and how providers can help, visit Parity for Pumps at parityforpumps.com. If you’re active in the breastfeeding community, join our coalition and help us drive positive change. Reach out to [email protected] to get involved!

Thank you, Philips Respironics, for being a Diamond Corporate Partner at AAHomecare! Your support is vital in furthering our mission across the home medical equipment industry.

Interested in partnering with us? We offer six corporate partnership levels in addition to our regular membership categories, each with unique benefits to connect with industry leaders. Discover more here: https://aahomecare.org/corporate-partners

Our Medical Supplies Council convened today in Chicago, they covered many industry hot button topics, including: ePrescribing, ICCRC Updates, Manufacturer Backorders, and DME to Pharmacy on the CGM space. We have an amazing group of industry advocates! If you are an AAHomecare member who would like to get involved in a Council, reach out to our team at [email protected].

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🌟 Testimonial Thursday 🌟

See how AAHomecare supports its members! Beau Alford from Cure Medical (CA) highlights:

“One of the things I really appreciate about AAHomecare is their active involvement with state Medicaid plans, MCOs, and TPAs. This advocacy is crucial in addressing the challenges of low reimbursements that our customers face when states outsource Medicaid to MCOs and rates are drastically reduced.”

Explore the benefits of AAHomecare membership for your business: https://aahomecare.org/Membership

AAH Insider: Support Upcoming CRT Fly-in With Outreach on H.R. 5371

In today's edition of AAH Insider, we highlight key advocacy efforts:

- H.R. 5371 Advocacy: Learn how your outreach can support the “Choices for Increased Mobility Act” to improve access to titanium and carbon fiber wheelchairs.
- 75/25 Blended Relief: See how your advocacy is critical for inclusion in larger legislative packages.
- AAHomecare On the Road: Check out recent highlights from our team’s industry engagements across the country.

Don’t miss out on these updates—read more about our latest initiatives and how you can get involved!

Click here to read: https://ow.ly/EFLi50T3uYk

AAH Insider: Leveraging New Impact Study for High Impact Advocacy Hospital Bed and Orthoses added to F2F/WOPD Required List Effective August 12 -- Phase 1 of Prior Authorization Implementation for Orthoses and Osteogenesis Effective August 12 -- Leading Companies Level Up Commitment to HME Advocacy -- CEO Leaders Convene for Quarterly Meeting

Meet Tom Ryan, President and CEO of AAHomecare. Not only is he a passionate and dedicated leader in the homecare industry, but he is also a strong advocate on Capitol Hill with a deep understanding of the challenges providers face. Starting his career as an HME provider and respiratory therapist in New York, he now leads the national association focusing on key issues to advance patient care and access. Here are just a few of the critical areas Tom is currently working on:

- Reimbursement Policy: Engaging Congress and CMS to deliver Medicare reimbursement rates that reflect the market realities suppliers face, instead of rates derived from a failed bid program using results from the last completed bid round in 2016. Currently working with HME Champions in Congress to pass legislation to restore 75/25 blended rate relief in non-bid/non-rural areas.
- CRT Access: Securing backing for H.R. 5371, the “Choices for Increased Mobility Act,” to enhance consumer access to titanium and carbon fiber wheelchairs.
- Strengthening Access to HME in Medicare Advantage Plans: Conducting research and working with patient advocates to ensure these plans do not delay or deny access to Non-Invasive Ventilation (NIV) and other critically needed HME products and therapies.

Outside of work, Tom enjoys long walks with his dog, gardening, and family time on Fire Island.

Happy ! This snapshot represents our state advocacy work as we are active across the country to bring wins that impact our members. We're proud to have secured a $3.2 million increase for North Carolina DME suppliers and exempt incontinence from sales tax in partnership with ACMESA. Our team recently spent a day at the North Carolina’s capitol working to extend the Medicaid rate floor and secure rate increases.

A big thank you to Compass Health Brands for being a Diamond Corporate Partner at AAHomecare! Your support plays a crucial role in advancing our advocacy efforts and driving positive change in the HME industry.

Discover how our partnership levels can help you engage with industry leaders and further our mission. Learn more here: https://aahomecare.org/corporate-partners

Great meeting this week with our HME/RT Council. Discussion included 75/25, ePrescribing, NIV Issues, the Value of HME and many more hot topics. Interested in joining? Reach out to [email protected] .

📅 Only 26 days left until CRT Hill Day! 📅

Join AAHomecare in Washington, DC on September 9-10 for a pivotal event where you can directly engage with Congress to push for HR 5371. This is your chance to educate legislators about vital technology and equipment, connect with CRT leaders, and grow your professional network.

Don’t miss out—learn more and register here: https://aahomecare.org/Event-Details/details/150/CRT-Capitol-Hill-Day