Medicaid, Tariff Issues Swirl at Medtrade

DALLAS—Questions about how moves by the Trump administration could impact the homecare industry dominated at Medtrade—especially potential cuts to Medicaid and tariffs—but answers were largely absent. 

Whatever happens, it’s important for the sector to stay engaged and in touch with legislators and regulators, Tom Ryan, president and CEO of the the American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare), told members and attendees at the association’s update at the show in Dallas, which ran Feb. 18-20. 

“We’ve got to continue to prove our value, protect the benefit, get in and talk about how new and thriving technology can help you get results,” Ryan said when asked about whether Congress might cut Medicaid funding and access in order to achieve a proposed savings of $880 billion. “It’s being in front and having a seat at the table.” 

Other attendees asked how proposed tariffs could impact home medical equipment (HME); Ryan said advocates and manufacturers have been working on strategy since the election in November to work for an exemption for HME.

“At the end of the day, we get paid by entitlement dollars—we don’t have the ability to increase the price of avocados and have the consumer pay for it,” Ryan said, adding that the exemption “should be an easy sell.” 

On the positive side, Ryan said, some longtime homecare allies are now in positions of power, include Sen. Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) and Drew Snyder, the former Mississippi director of Medicaid, who is expected to head Medicaid under the new administration.  

Other legislative priorities for 2025 include continued efforts to extend the 75/25 blended non-rural, non-competitive bid area Medicare payment rates, oversight for Medicare Advantage and monitoring of right-to-repair movements for complex rehab technology (CRT). 

Ryan also gave Rose Schafhauser, executive director of the Midwest Association for Medical Equpment Services, this year’s Van Miller Homecare Champion Award.

He cited her 40-plus years in the industry and efforts to build key relationships, including with Thune. 

The Van Miller Homecare Champion Award honors those who exemplify service, advocacy, and leadership in HME. Rose’s commitment to advancing homecare and strengthening our industry makes her truly deserving of this recognition.
“She has been doing an unbelievable job,” he said.

On the final day of the show, the New Product Pavilion awards were given out: 

• Motif Medical won the Provider’s Choice Gold Award for the Motif Aura Glow Wearable Breast Pump
• Wrappon USA won the Provider’s Choice Silver Award for the Wrappon ORB, a dry commode with sealable liners
• Dashmoto won the Provider’s Choice Bronze for its dash 3 portable mobility device.