American Association for Homecare
As the foremost national association leading the charge on policy and advocacy for our industry, AAHomecare is fighting for your interests on Capitol Hill and at CMS.
We are adding to our portfolio of expertise, services, and strategies for assisting members and moving the home medical equipment industry forward. New initiatives within our Councils are focusing on solutions to problems members have expressed, honing in on technology, Medicaid, and even quality standards initiatives.
Do something for your business and your industry; become a member of AAHomecare today. This year alone, 262 Congressional visits were made during the Washington Legislative Conference, 54,000 e-mails were sent to Members of Congress through the Action Center, and 154 House members endorsed rural reimbursement relief thanks to grassroots advocacy.
When we speak with one voice, good things happen!
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AAHomecare wishes you all a wonderful holiday season!
AAHomecare's Advisory Councils are comprised of volunteers who tackle a wide range of HME and DME issues, from policy to best practices for providers. Earlier this month, our Regulatory Council met for its final session of 2022, tackling a wide range of timely priorities. You can learn more about our Councils here:
HME and DME providers should be aware that CMS published the 2023 Medicare DMEPOS fee schedule last week. Our analysis of the top 25 DME items shows average rate increases for CBP items in former CBAs, rural, and non-rural areas compared to the rates currently in place. Download the full fee schedule:
"The relief granted for non-rural/non-CBA suppliers, taken with the 50/50 blended rate in rural areas granted to rural suppliers by CMS in the 2021 DMEPOS Final Rule, will impact bottom lines for a large swath of the industry." We just released a breaking news alert with some incredible news: Congressional leaders released a draft of their omnibus legislation that includes huge wins for the HME and DME community:
Between sustained inflation and Medicare reimbursement rates that fail to account for the increased cost of doing business, market realities for HME and DME providers across the country have changed dramatically over the past few years. Share our updated letter with your payers about the facts on the ground:
It's coming down to the wire on Congress' year-end omnibus package, and we're working around the clock to secure support for critical HME and DME measures in the bill, such as provisions from H.R. 6641, extended CARES Act relief, and stopping PAYGO cuts. There's still time to urge your representatives to support these critical priorities with our online advocacy form!
Attention oxygen providers: Recently, CMS altered its Local Coverage Determination (LCD) that will go into effect on January 1. AAHomecare released an overview of these changes to help suppliers navigate the changing marketplace. Take a look at HomeCare Magazine's article on it here:
There are only two days left to save over 40% on your Medtrade Dallas conference passes! From fundraisers that help us achieve our critical goals on Capitol Hill to educational panels with the industry's foremost experts, it's not an event you'll want to miss. Check out pricing details here, and get your tickets today!
On Capitol Hill, we're making the case for Congress to support measures that would extend CARES Act relief for DME providers beyond the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency. With inflation remaining high, suppliers need this vital relief to deliver for patients. Check out our issue brief below, and email your representatives if you have not done so already!
"As Congress quickly approaches the deadline to extend the debt ceiling, the American Association for Homecare called on HME providers to contact their Senators and Representatives in support of adding Medicare reimbursement relief for DME to any year-end budget legislation." Always great to see our efforts on Capitol Hill getting coverage -- check out the full piece in HME Business, which includes a link to our advocacy site where you can send a message directly to your representatives:
Our legal experts at Brown & Fortunato are always ready to provide members of the homecare community with digestible information on the rules and regulations governing the industry. There's still time to reserve a spot for another excellent webinar on December 13, where we'll cover the ACA's overpayment rules and six-year lookback audits!
Congress' year-end spending package represents an unparalleled opportunity to ensure that HME and DME providers receive Medicare reimbursement rates that reflect the increased cost of business. With the December 16 deadline for the bill looming, we need all hands on deck -- use our grassroots advocacy site to send your representative a message today!
Staying abreast of federal regulations and guidance is crucial for homecare providers to stay competitive and deliver quality products for patients. Last month, CMS released their new Oxygen and Oxygen Equipment Local Coverage Determination (LCD), which takes effect 1/1/2023. Read the full set of rules here:
Medtrade registration is now open! Get your conference pass before December 16 for just $125, 41% off the next round’s rates! It's the premier educational, networking, and fundraising event for homecare stakeholders -- we hope to see you there in Dallas from March 28-30. More information on pricing can be found here:
As we approach the new year, it’s time to get ready for the next Medtrade conference from March 28-30 in Dallas! The new once-a-year format still features networking opportunities, educational panels, and awesome HME and DME fundraising events. Registration opens later this month -- read more here:
"Tsai spoke about the need for better metrics to ensure Medicaid beneficiaries are getting access to the care they need.” We just published an article with highlights from the National Association of Medicaid Directors Conference, held in November. Read the full piece here!