Estrella talks HME, staying positive and never backing down
HOMES
BOSTON (July 22, 2021)—The MassHealth Medicaid program is implementing a 10% rate increase for durable medical equipment (DME) claims with dates of service effective July 1, 2021. The broad-based relief applies a 10% increase for all DME and augmentative and alternative communications codes and a 50% increase for labor code K0739, which covers repair or nonroutine service for DME other than oxygen equipment requiring a skilled technician.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 17, 2020)—AAHomecare joined the Home Medical Equipment and Services Association of New England (HOMES) in commenting on Medicaid rate analysis commissioned by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services to help guide future rate-setting efforts. The joint comments take issue with the choice of states used for comparison purposes, noting significant differences in the service areas and Medicaid program operating structures versus those in Maine.
NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (May 29, 2020)—It brings HOMES’ Executive Committee great pleasure to announce that Jason Morin, most recently of Home Care Specialists Inc., based in Haverhill, Massachusettes, is the association’s new president and CEO. He will officially begin this new role June 1st.
ATLANTA (October 22, 2019)—AAHomecare’s Washington Update on Day Two of Medtrade started with a moving tribute, a robust account of AAHomecare’s activities, and four women vying for VGM’s Woman of the Year Award.
ATLANTA (October 10, 2019)—HME leader and icon Karyn Estrella will be recognized as the 2019 Van G. Miller Homecare Champion at the upcoming Medtrade conference and expo in Atlanta, Georgia. The long-time leader of the Home Medical Equipment and Services Association of New England (HOMES), who passed away on July 4 of this year, is remembered for her passionate advocacy for better HME policies and her selfless contributions to our industry.
NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (February 14, 2019)—On February 12th, the Home Medical Equipment & Services Association of New England (HOMES) was invited by Health & Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar and Region 1 director John McGough to the CMS and HHS Region 1 office to listen and understand issues related to Medicare policies and home medical equipment.
VGM representatives Carol Albaugh, Megan Kraft, Margo Colarossi, Karyn Estrella HOMES president and CEO, Adam Miller and Aram Susong accepting the award
(May 10, 2018)—From MAMES: “The Midwest Association for Medical Equipment & Supplies (MAMES) members converged on Des Moines, Iowa April 25-27 for the 2018 MAMES Spring Excellence in HME Convention and Exhibition with the highest attendance for a MAMES Spring Convention since 2011. And based on the attendee surveys they provided they were happy they came. For the second consecutive event MAMES attendees rated the event a perfect 4.0 rating.
Public hearing scheduled to discuss concerns.
Via HOMES, NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (November 30, 2017)—Late afternoon on November 22, MassHealth published proposed regulation and rate changes and scheduled a public hearing for December 13 at 1 p.m. in the First Floor Conference Room, 100 Hancock Street, Quincy, Mass. The proposed effective date of the regulations is February 23, 2018.
Fessler was a strong advocate for the home medical equipment industry.
Via HOMES, NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (November 9, 2017)—It is with great sadness we inform you that Rob Fessler of BRODA Seating passed away suddenly last Friday, November 3. His unexpected passing has shocked and devastated all who knew and loved him. Before moving to Canada and working for BRODA, Rob worked at Cape Medical Supply, Sandwich, Massachusetts for more than 20 years.
A message from Karyn Estrella.
ATLANTA (October 25, 2017)—HOMES is pleased to announce that the recipient of the 2017 Van Miller Homecare Champion Award is our own Gary Sheehan, president and CEO of Cape Medical Supply, Sandwich, Massachusetts. Van was a staunch advocate for the HME industry and this award could not have gone to a more deserving candidate! The award was presented this evening at the AAHomecare Stand Up for Homecare event in Atlanta, Georgia. Congratulations on this well-deserved honor, Gary!
NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (October 13, 2017)—Lynda Scully, MassHealth DME program manager announced a public hearing on October 31 for comments on proposed regulation and fee schedule changes at the HOMES fall membership meeting last week. HOMES was informed that the public hearing has been delayed. As soon as it has been rescheduled, HOMES will inform members.
Visit homesne.org for more information.
SEATTLE, Sept. 19, 2012—A report published by Stratford Retirement informs caregivers and elderly about financial options for assisted care. While Americans continue to live longer than ever, often well past traditional retirement years, there is a growing concern about the ability of Medicaid to cover long-term care cost. What has traditionally been a safety net for middle-income people with assisted care needs has now turned into a contested political topic.