AAHomecare Fixes Sights on HME, Drops Home Health Council

WASHINGTON–With the intent of focusing its resources squarely
on the volatile home medical equipment industry, the American
Association for Homecare will discontinue its Home Health Advisory
Council on April 1.

“To best reflect the current membership, AAHomecare will focus
its efforts on home medical equipment, therapies, services, and
supplies such as oxygen, rehab and assistive technology, inhalation
drugs, medical supplies, medical gases, sleep apnea, infusion
therapy and related areas,” the association announced in its weekly
newsletter.

Home health companies (those that have listed home health as
comprising half or more of their business) now make up only about 5
percent of the AAHomecare membership, according to Michael
Reinemer, vice president, communications and policy.

“The vast majority of our members provide oxygen, rehab and
mobility services, medical supplies, inhalation drugs and other
equipment and therapies along those lines,” Reinemer said, adding
that the association estimates its 600 members operate about 3,000
facilities in 50 states. AAHomecare membership also includes
manufacturers, consultants and state associations.

With industry-altering changes on the horizon such as
competitive bidding, mandatory accreditation and continuing cuts in
reimbursement, it makes sense to focus on HME, association leaders
said.

“This change reflects the fact that we intend to increase our
attention on core HME areas,” said Tom Ryan, CEO of Homecare
Concepts and AAHomecare chair. “HME benefits are again targets for
federal budget cuts and require undivided attention from the
association in terms of government affairs, research, public
relations and grassroots activities.”

In 2000, the former NAMES, HIDA and Home Health Services
Staffing associations joined to establish AAHomecare, hoping to
promote the industry’s agenda with a stronger voice in
Washington.

Despite disbanding its home health council, AAHomecare will
“continue to champion the value and cost-effectiveness of all forms
of home care,” the newsletter said.

Reinemer said some home health agencies have said they intend to
retain their AAHomecare memberships, and state associations
representing HHAs have also said they will stay on.