AAHomecare Calls on HMEs to Share Winter Storm Stories.
Providers serving patients during rough winter storms are urged to share their stories with industry association to help advocates demonstrate HME and homecare’s value to lawmakers, regulators.
As HME providers contend with fierce winter weather to serve their patients, the American Association for Homecare is asking them to share their stories, which can bolster the industry’s advocacy and public relations efforts.
Payers, legislators, government agencies, and the public are often unaware of the costs required to provide the services related to home medical equipment.
“Through programs like competitive bidding, the HME industry has experienced a 40 percent decline in the number of HME providers available to meet demand,” a statement from the association read. “The pandemic and winter storms are exacerbating problems in an already stretched Industry, yet our members are doing everything they can to take care of our nation’s most vulnerable population who rely on HME.”
Providing relatable examples of caring for patients during harsh weather helps underscore the costs providers face and the value they contribute to American healthcare.
“Your stories help illustrate the value of HME with payers and governmental bodies while reiterating the need for sustainable reimbursement and policies that protect patient access,” AAHomecare’s statement noted. “If the storms have affected your ability to provide equipment, services, and supplies, we welcome that information as well so that we can relay the impact on the HME Industry to CMS.”
To share a story about caring for customers during winter storms, email Ashley Plauché, AAHomecare’s director of member and public relations, at [email protected]. Also, providers can share their stories on social media using the hashtag #HMEServiceinStorms and #AAHomecare.