WASHINGTON—AAHomecare has issued a statement regarding the United States Department of Commerce investigation of potential national security impacts of importing some medical devices and consumables, including durable medical equipment (DME) and personal protective equipment.
The investigation, which comes under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, could lead to the administration imposing tariffs or other import restrictions on some goods.
The administration published a notice in the Federal Register requesting public comments. In their statement, AAHomecare said they oppose the investigation, and encouraged providers to submit their own comments against the investigation and its potential consequences.
"AAHomecare strongly supports exclusion of home medical equipment and supplies from any Section 232 trade actions, and urges all DME stakeholders, including manufacturers, distributors and supply chain partners to submit comments by October 17, and encourage downstream partners and patient groups to weigh in, underscoring the real-world consequences of restricting HME (home medical equipment) imports," the organization said.
AAHomecare also included key messages providers should keep in mind when submitting comments, including:
- HME is essential for patient care in the home setting and plays a critical role in reducing hospitalizations and overall health care costs.
- The sector already faces Medicare reimbursement pressures and supply chain vulnerabilities. Additional tariffs would further destabilize access for millions of patients.
- Many HME products are not manufactured at scale in the U.S., making tariffs punitive rather than protective
"Your own perspective on how tariffs or other trade restrictions will impact your business and the patients, clinicians and caregivers you support," the organization said. “Together, we must ensure that home medical equipment and supplies are excluded from Section 232 trade actions. Protecting patient access and industry stability depends on strong, coordinated advocacy that leverages our industry's first hand experience and passion for high-quality, home-based care.”
The department is specifically requesting input on:
- U.S. demand for medical equipment and consumables
- Domestic production capacity vs. reliance on imports
- Potential impacts of tariffs or quotas on patients, providers, and manufacturers
- The potential for foreign control or exploitation/weaponization of supply chains for DME, supplies and related products.
- The investigation includes:
- Personal protective equipment used in health care settings
- Medical consumables, including catheters, tracheostomy tubes and some wound care items
- Medical equipment including, hospital beds, wheelchairs, insulin pumps, blood glucose monitors, orthopedic appliances, respirators, ventilators and oxygen machines
The Federal Register posting says the investigation and request for comments is focused on determining the current and projected demand for medical equipment, personal protective equipment and medical consumables and whether domestic production could meet U.S. needs or be increased if necessary.
The deadline for public comments is Friday, Oct. 17. To submit comments, click here.