A new report released by the American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare) demonstrates the impact of “strategic advocacy, innovative tools, and community-driven progress” in 2024.
“This comprehensive report highlights the ways AAHomecare worked alongside its members to strengthen the HME [home medical equipment] community, protect patient access to care, and deliver results that directly impact providers and the people they serve,” the organization said in a Feb. 10 press release. “AAHomecare’s 2024 scorecard includes payer and policy wins that impact reimbursement and operations, new tools to navigate industry challenges, and fostering collaboration across the HME community. These outcomes directly impact the ability of businesses to thrive and millions of individuals to access home medical equipment and supplies.”
The report lists the successes of various AAHomecare member-driven councils, work groups and committees, and how via “the collective strength of our members,” the association “secured $4.5 billion in HME wins since 2022, delivering tangible ROI for members and the industry.”
AAHomecare’s councils — Home Medical Equipment/Respiratory Therapy (HME/RT), Medical Supplies, Complex Rehab & Mobility, Diabetes, Breastfeeding Coalition, Corporate Partner Providers, Payer Relations, Regulatory, Brand, State Leaders, and Leadership Groups — attended 227 council and work group meetings last year.
The report also listed federal wins in 2024:
— A simplified Medicare ordering process for positive airway pressure (PAP) and respiratory assist device (RAD) supplies;
— A new HCPCS code — E2298 — for Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) power seat elevation, now covered by Medicare;
— 90-day billing for continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) supplies;
— “Significant” coding changes for intermittent catheters, starting in 2026, including the separation of hydrophilic catheters into separate codes;
— The rescinding of Change Request 12851, which proposed consolidation of new HCPCS lymphedema codes into home health billing;
— Indirect home assessments for manual wheelchair patients;
— Processing wheelchairs from out-of-business manufacturers as “lost” for replacement purposes;
— Resolved claims denials when the date of service for disposable medical supplies matches the discharge date from a home health agency.
Federal advocacy initiatives late year included House and Senate bills introduced to restore the 75/25 blended relief rate for HME Medicare providers in non-bid, non-rural rate areas, as well as House and Senate bills to provide a more accessible pathway for Medicare beneficiaries to pay out of pocket to upgrade to a carbon fiber or titanium ultralightweight wheelchair frame.
The report’s “Building Momentum for 2025” section includes ongoing policy and funding issues the association expects to keep working on this year.
“This is about real-world impact — not just for the HME industry, but for the end users and families who
rely on home-based care every day,” said Tom Ryan, president/CEO of AAHomecare, in the announcement. “Our 2024 Impact Report demonstrates what’s possible when our industry comes together, reflecting the strength of our community and the critical role AAHomecare plays in advancing HME priorities. As we look ahead to 2025, we’re focused on continuing to deliver meaningful results for the HME community.”
The report is available to download for free for AAHomecare members and other industry stakeholders.
