WASHINGTON, D.C., Feb. 21, 2013—Recently announced Round 2 payment rates are so low that companies are taking extraordinary steps as they attempt to salvage at least some part of their health care practices. “Our Medicare business accounts for about 25-30 percent of my business in total sales. With the loss of that revenue, we will have to lay off at least five to eight employees,” said Mark Farmer, owner of Southwest Mobility, Inc. “I currently have three locations and will probably be forced to close at least one of those, and possibly two, in the near future. Our customers, who we have served for the past 24 years, will now be forced to build relationships with other providers.”
It is AAHomecare’s understanding that 2,600 companies submitted bids, but fewer than 900 were offered contracts. That means that there are thousands more stories just like this one. Make sure Congress hears them all—email your story today to CBRound2Problems@aahomecare.org. And, because a constituent’s voice is always more powerful in person, if you’re able to, join us in Washington, D.C., on February 27. The home care sector will storm Capitol Hill to tell our members of Congress face-to-face that they must act now to save DME. Visit www.aahomecare.org.