WASHINGTON, D.C. – More than 100 HME advocates participated in the Washington Legislative Conference last month, continuing strong momentum for the industry’s top priorities. In one day on the Hill, 215 meetings took place, an impressive show of grassroots strength and engagement. Notably, 62 of those meetings were with committees of jurisdiction, up seven from last year’s conference, highlighting the growing visibility of HME issues with lawmakers who shape federal healthcare policy.
Progress on Priority Legislation
Advocates used the conference to advance support for the industry’s four key bills. As reported in our May 22 Alert, H.R. 1703 passed the Energy & Commerce Committee by unanimous vote, just one week after advocates from AAHomecare and NCART were in offices and legislators participated in NCART’s CRT Expo.
The conference also netted seven new bipartisan cosponsors:
- HR 2005– Rep. Sanford Bishop (D-GA)
- HR 1703– Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-WI)
- HR 2902– Reps. Chris Pappas (D-NH), Sanford Bishop (D-GA), Nicholas Langworthy (R-NY), Erin Houchin (R-IN), and Andre Carson (D-IN)
These new co-sponsors reflect the impact of your conversations and the relationships you have built with members of Congress and staff. Please share new intelligence, questions/pushback, or opportunities for further engagement through the conference app. Your updates help AAHomecare prioritize further lobbyist outreach.
We need your help to continue the momentum. Following up after the conference with offices you spoke to is just the start. Check in with them regularly before the August recess. With 64 days left until the House break, and the Senate following two weeks after, this is the perfect time to continue building the relationships. If you didn’t get an opportunity to meet with offices during the conference or need help finding health legislative assistants within the Congressional office, reach out to Tilly Gambill, [email protected], for assistance with contact information.
Grassroots Leads to Action
Advocates also met with the Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy during the conference. JJ Pistor, Paul Weiner, Brian O’Neil, and David Griffin raised concerns about how proposed changes to the bidding program will affect small businesses, prompting immediate interest and further dialogue with SBA leadership. Subsequent conversations with Tom Ryan, Cara Bachenheimer, and Association leaders have laid the groundwork for urgent action, representing how grassroots engagement can secure federal attention.
Recognition of Industry Leaders
The conference also offered a moment to recognize the individuals whose leadership strengthens the HME community.
Bill Fredericks, president of AllCare Medical Supply, received the Mal Mixon Legislative Advocate Award for his exceptional work engaging state and Federal policymakers. Bill’s understanding that federal policy directly shapes state reimbursement, regulatory policy, and long‑term sustainability of providers led him to get involved in his state and national association, amplifying the voice of providers and encouraging his colleagues to get involved in advocacy efforts.
Josh Marx, CEO of Medical Service Company, was honored for his three years of volunteer service as Chairman of the AAHomecare Board of Directors. His leadership helped shape the Association’s strategic response to the DMEPOS Rule, which ultimately kept legacy categories out of the coming program. Josh has represented the industry at the highest levels, including meetings with the White House and senior administration officials.
Thank You to the Companies Supporting This Event
We would like to thank those companies who sponsored the Washington Legislative Conference, covering registration for all attendees with a networking reception, dinner, and breakfast as well as use of the Advocacy Associates app with meeting details and other key information.
Gordon Barnes Retiring
WASHINGTON, D.C. – AAHomecare’s Gordon Barnes, Senior Director of Communications, will retire after 20 years of service to the Association. Over two decades, Gordon shaped countless touch points with our stakeholders, writing more than 1,500 member communications, hosting hundreds of webinars with industry experts, and coordinating more than 3,000 Capitol Hill meetings and thousands of emails and calls to Congress that strengthened our unified voice.
Gordon has been a central figure in the communications department, helping elevate the Association’s priorities through strategic communications, media relations, and policy messaging. His “white‑glove” approach to scheduling Hill meetings, especially for state leaders, first‑time advocates, and members representing numerous company locations, has set a high standard.
“Gordon’s deep policy knowledge, sharp writing, and strong commitment to the our mission have made the communications shop a key Association asset,” notes Tom Ryan, president. “Beyond his professional contributions, we will miss Gordon’s wit and friendship. His impact will be felt for years to come.”
“I’ve been really fortunate to work with so many smart, supportive, and genuinely fun people in our membership and leadership ranks over the years ” Barnes reflects. “I’ve been particularly blessed to have teammates at AAHomecare that set a high standard in how they approach their work – which has always pushed me to try and match that level of commitment and professionalism. It’s also a very big-hearted group that’s made every challenge easier to work through and every success, big or small, even more enjoyable. Thank you all for your kindness and support.”
Gordon’s final day in the office will be June 5, and we appreciate all who joined us in a toast to his career during the Washington Legislative Conference.
New Roles
Tilly Gambill will expand her role as Senior Director of Marketing Communications. The new position will further integrate policy communications, digital strategy, and the overall direction of the Association’s marketing and education efforts. With more than 15 years in progressive communications, marketing, and education leadership roles at AAHomecare, Tilly has built strategic campaigns, digital programs, grassroots initiatives, and member‑focused events that advance patient access, strengthen advocacy, and elevate the visibility and value of the organization.
“This expanded role allows me to work even more closely with colleagues across the Association to strengthen our strategic communications vision,” Tilly said. “As we deepen engagement with the Administration on key policy priorities and advance media strategies that support legislative action at the federal and state levels, I look forward to shaping the conversations, messaging and collaboration that ensure our members have the information and resources they need to support their work.”
Jordan Cornelius has joined AAHomecare as our new marketing communications project manager. A Towson University graduate, Jordan brings a foundation in content creation, social media, brand management, and event support. In this role, she will help grow our education programs and events, as well as manage website updates and social media. You will see Jordan in Council meetings and receive communications from her in the coming weeks as she steps into this new position.
