Utah providers can now join Big Sky AMES

JAMESTOWN, N.D. – Home medical equipment (HME) providers in Utah now have the backing of the Big Sky Association of Medical Equipment Suppliers (Big Sky AMES), strengthening their voice on legislative and regulatory issues. 

The association, which already represents providers in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, announced in November that its board of directors voted to welcome Utah providers into its membership. 

“We’ve talked about this off and on for a while now, and we’re finally putting it into action,” said Barb Stockert, executive director of Big Sky AMES. 

Why Utah? Shared challenges and multi-state operations 

Previously, a group of Utah providers—including Alpine Home Medical Equipment and Petersen Medical—worked together under the Utah Medical Equipment Dealers (UTMED) association. 

Stockert says adding Utah to Big Sky AMES was a natural step, given that many members operate across state lines. For example, Norco is based in Boise, Idaho, but also has locations in Montana, Oregon, Nevada, Washington, Utah and Wyoming. 

“We do have a lot of our members who cross borders,” she said. 

Another reason: common challenges with Medicaid reimbursement. While coverage and policies vary by state, Stockert says that all programs face similar struggles. 

“The more people you bring together, the more ideas and solutions you’re going to come up with,” she said. 

Next steps: Utah representation and advocacy 

Stockert says Big Sky AMES plans to appoint a state chair from Utah to ensure local issues receive attention. 

“We want to make sure they’re accounted for and have a person that can bring forth issues to the association,” she said. “It’s important for us to address any issues in the state, as well as get to know the state Medicaid officials and state legislators there.”