Author

Tom Ryan

Tom Ryan is president and CEO of the American Association for Homecare. Visit aahomecare.org. 

  • AAHomeCare Update

    Persistence, Credibility and Collaboration

    While the challenges facing the home medical community remain daunting, I am more convinced than ever that our industry has the ability to survive and thrive in the coming years—but only if we continue to work together as we have this past year. 2015 started off with a significant legislative win on the competitive bidding program, as we passed binding bid legislation that will help keep less-serious bidders from artificially depressing bid prices, and will require winning bidders to fulfill their obligations. Even getting common-sense and budget-neutral legislation like this passed required extensive D.C.-based and grassroots lobbying efforts spanning two congressional sessions, before finally passing as part of a package of health care legislation and being signed into law in April. As arduous as this...

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  • AAHomeCare Update

    Legislative Conference Sees Progress Through Unity

    More than 150 HME leaders gathered at the AAHomecare Washington Legislative Conference, May 20-21, to stand together and educate Congress about the issues impacting HME. Consumer Groups Bring Their Perspectives New this year at the conference was a panel discussion featuring leaders from consumer groups with whom AAHomecare frequently collaborates. The panel featured: Alexandra Bennewith (United Spinal Association), Aimee Bulthuis (COPD Foundation), Kelly Buckland (The National Council on Independent Living), Madonna Long (Pride Mobility Products), Patrick Wildman (The ALS Association). Anna McDevitt, Laboratory Tactical Consulting and Save My Medical Supplies, served as moderator. Conference attendees also got exclusive access to big names that are directly impacting home care policy, including senators and congressmen. In Their Words Providers such as Jim Spellman of Homecare Medical in...

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  • AAHomeCare Update

    Fight for the Future of HME

    Speaking at AAHomecare's "Washington Update" at Medtrade Spring almost two months ago, I reported on recent legislative successes by noting that the credibility and influence of the Association is at an all-time high on Capitol Hill, and that we have more champions in Congress today than we've ever had.

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