AAHomecare sets 2005 priorities
By HME News Staff
Updated Thu March 31, 2005
ALEXANDRIA, Va. — AAHomecare in late February announced its advocacy priorities for 2005. They include:
- Protecting home medical equipment and home health from further cuts in any legislation passed during 2005.
- Working to stave off competitive bidding, which is scheduled to begin in 2007 in 10 of the largest metropolitan statistical areas. As part of this effort AAHomecare will work to expand the focus on the CMS program advisory oversight committee (PAOC) on competitive bidding.
- Protecting the dispensing fee amount of $57 per monthly supply for inhalation drug therapies.
- Change the exclusionary rule, which compares Medicare and private charges and could exclude from Medicare providers whose charges are considered excessive based on that comparison.
- Preserve current reimbursement for stationary oxygen systems in light of efforts to move to a modality-specific payment model.
AAHomecare will tackle additional issues and challenges as they emerge.
During the year, participation from homecare providers and manufacturers will be critical.
“Homecare providers provide vital services to millions of patients and have tremendous credibility with members of Congress,” said Kay Cox, president and CEO of AAHomecare. “That's why broad support and participation will be a key factor in the success of homecare this year.”
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