Broadening The Path To 75/25 Relief

WASHINGTON, D.C. – AAHomecare’s first Insider for 2025 led off with a recap of last year’s sustained grassroots and direct lobbying efforts to restore 75/25 Medicare blended rates for non-rural, non-bid areas – along with a reaffirmation of plans to renew that fight in the 119th Congress.

While the legislative team continues to meet with legislators and committee staff to build support for new 75/25 relief on Capitol Hill, association officials are also working to secure relief along another path: through regulatory action by HHS/CMS. Last week efforts ramped up as chairman Josh Marx (pictured) joined Tom Ryan and other AAHomecare senior staff (and outside policy consultants) to develop regulatory strategy for the 75/25 rates.

There’s a notable precedent for securing relief through the regulatory path. In December 2021, CMS released a DME Rule that put the 50/50 blended rate for DMEPOS in rural areas in place on a permanent basis, following years of engagement with legislators and regulatory policymakers.

AAHomecare is keeping a close eye on new staff joining CMS and HHS so far and are aware of several individuals they have worked with before or who have relationships with association lobbyists.

Common Sense Wheelchair Upgrade Legislation

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) have introduced The Choices for Mobility Act, S. 247, legislation that would improve access to titanium and carbon fiber wheelchairs for Medicare beneficiaries. Mobility stakeholders built solid support for similar legislation last year, including garnering unanimous approval by the House Energy & Commerce Committee.

Ask your Senators to co-sponsor and support this common-sense legislation that allows manual wheelchair users to be more active and take part in a wider range of community activities – all without additional costs to the Medicare program.

Learn more about this bill and find additional advocacy guidance for reaching out to Senators at aahomecare.org/CRT-Advocacy. You can send a pre-drafted message asking your Senators to support S. 247 using our Voter Voice advocacy tool.

AAHomecare At Medtrade

AAHomecare Update – Feb. 19, 2:15-3:15pm, Ballroom D3-D4 — Join us for an insider’s look at AAHomecare’s volunteer-led council work that is helping shape the future of the industry. AAHomecare will also present the Homecare Champion award during this session.

Stand Up for Homecare – Feb. 19, 5:30-7:00pm — Don’t forget to add Medtrade’s can’t-miss networking event to your plans! AAHomecare will be holding our Stand Up for Homecare reception on Wednesday, Feb. 19 from 5:30-7:00pm at d.e.c. on dragon. You can add your ticket to your registration; tickets also available at the door. Contact Sue Mairena at [email protected] for multiple ticket requests.

Conference Sessions – Only Medtrade brings together the sharpest minds in HME to help you grow your business, understand new regulatory developments, and navigate the shifting payer landscape.  Find details on all 72 sessions across eight educational tracks here. AAHomecare will have presenters for five of those sessions:

• Wed, Feb.19 – 10:00-11:00 – Latest Updates on National Policies & Legislative Priorities– Kim Brummett (Sr. Vice President, Regulatory Affairs & Cara Bachenheimer (Brown & Fortunato and AAHomecare Counsel) – D162/164
• Wed, Feb.19 – 10:00-11:00 – Payer Relations Power Hour: Key Council Updates– Laura Williard (Sr. Vice President, Payer Relations) and David Chandler (Vice President, Payer Relations) with Cadie McConagill (Lincare) and Cameo Zehnder (Pediatric Home Service) – D163/165
• Wed, Feb. 19 – 1:00-2:00pm – Federal Legislative Update & Insight on How to Successfully Advocate for Your Business– Jay Witter (Senior Vice President, Public Policy) — D162/164
• Wed, Feb. 19 – 1:00-2:00pm – Payer Panel: Current & Future Trends in Payor Relations– Laura Williard (Sr. Vice President, Payer Relations) with Sharon Pruitt (Carelon) and Amanda Minimi (Aeroflow Health) – D163/165
• Thur, Feb. 20 – 11:15am-12:45pm – Building a Health Pediatric Enteral Nutrition Business: Patient, Supplier & Manufacturer Perspective – David Chandler (Vice President, Payer Relations) with Chris Carter (Mead Johnson Nutrition/Reckitt), Bill Fredricks (Allcare Medical Supply), and Samantha Timmons (VGM) – D171/173

Note: Conference Pass registration is required for those sessions. Register Now for Medtrade 2025.