ARLINGTON, VA – The data and accounts that HME suppliers have shared in our just-released 75/25 Impact Survey Report clearly demonstrate how the loss of 75/25 blended rates in non-CB, non-rural areas is affecting business operations and their ability to serve patients and communities.
The survey results make it clear that after just six months of lower reimbursements in a rising-cost environment are leading many suppliers to limit their offerings, reduce service areas, lay off staff, close locations, or even consider going out of business altogether. If left unchecked, the potential damage to the HME infrastructure and implications for patient access to HME going forward are staggering.
Opportunity for Advocacy
The survey findings reinforce the urgent need to make sure that Congress hears directly from every corner of the HME community – passionately and repeatedly– on what these cuts are doing to suppliers and the downstream impacts on patients and caregivers, and the urgent need to move legislation restoring the rates forward.
Use the survey findings as a framework for contacting Senators and Representatives to ask for their help in making sure provisions from legislation to reinstate 75/25 blended rates are part of the next appropriate healthcare bill or other Omnibus package this year.
You can find additional guidance and messaging for your outreach to Capitol Hill here.
Tell Your Story and Speak from the Heart
Your emails or calls to members of Congress or healthcare staffers don’t have to display an advanced knowledge of political or legislative processes to be effective – they just have to show how the current rates are impacting your business and your patients – and that the HME sector needs this relief this year. Share the survey report to show the widespread impacts on the HME sector, add your story, and speak from the heart. Please make a commitment to share the report with your Senators and Representative this month and to follow up again in September.
HME grassroots advocacy has been the driving force for advancing 75/25 blended rate provisions through Senate and House committees. Whether you’re an experienced HME advocate or new to contacting your legislators, we need everyone on board to push forward this Fall to secure an important win for our industry – and to set the stage for expanding reimbursement relief in 2025 and beyond. The Survey Report, Survey Brief, and advocacy guidance are available together at aahomecare.org/impact.
