Tag: Laura Williard
North Carolina extends DME rate floor, but long-term funding concerns grow nationwide
August 28, 2026By Theresa Flaherty, Contributing Writer
RALEIGH, N.C. - A three-year extension of the DME rate floor for North Carolina Medicaid provides well-earned relief for providers, but industry stakeholders say reimbursement pressures continue to mount nationwide.
The North Carolina General Assembly has approved a state budget that extends the rate floor for Medicaid for an additional two years through June 30, 2029. In May, Gov. Josh Stein signed HB696 into law, providing an initial one-year extension through June 30, 2027.
“Our...
In brief: Supplies access, WellSky partnership, NHIA awards, Dynarex expansion
April 17, 2026HME News Staff
BIDDEFORD, Maine – The United Ostomy Associations of America, Inc. (UOAA) has launched a nationwide survey for end users of ostomy and urological supplies and has invited providers to share the survey with their customers.
UOAA requests providers use the following language when promoting the survey:
“We have teamed up with UOAA and need your help. Your experience helps protect patient safety and access to the supplies you depend on. United Ostomy Associations of America, Inc. (UOAA)...
Laura Williard honored by HOMES for her advocacy work
April 16, 2026HME News Staff
WASHINGTON – Laura Williard, senior vice president of payer relations for AAHomecare, was honored with the Karyn Estrella Heart of the Industry Award by the Home Medical Equipment and Services Association (HOMES) during its recent annual conference, according to a bulletin from AAHomecare. The award recognizes exceptional advocacy on behalf of consumers and the HME community at both the state and national levels. “Receiving an award in honor of a woman who fought every day for our industry,...
AAH boosts rate strategies with new portal
January 10, 2025Liz Beaulieu, Editor
WASHINGTON – AAHomecare’s new Payer Transparency Portal is another tool for the HME industry to fight low reimbursement rates from commercial insurers, says Laura Williard.
The portal, which is free to AAHomecare members, features data from more than 60 major commercial insurers, helping providers to understand payment rates and trends.
“They can use the data to see where they are in the percentiles and build their story on what programs and processes they have...
AAHomecare promotes Williard
April 18, 2024HME News Staff
WASHINGTON – AAHomecare has promoted Laura Williard to senior vice president of payer relations. “When we brought Laura on board to launch our payer relations program, I was very confident we were making a smart hire—but her contributions have proven to be even more significant than I expected,” said Tom Ryan, AAHomecare president & CEO. “Laura has made AAHomecare a force in advocating for HME at the state level and has increased our industry’s capacity to influence...
Stakeholders on Medicare Advantage: ‘We need an avenue to go to’
September 2, 2022Liz Beaulieu, Editor
WASHINGTON – Industry stakeholders didn’t waste the opportunity to provide CMS with feedback on Medicare Advantage, telling the agency there’s an urgent need to improve oversight of the program.
Industry organizations, state and regional associations, and individual providers all submitted comments to a request for information before an Aug. 31 deadline, says Laura Williard, vice president of payer relations for AAHomecare.
“While there are some protections...
Providers push back against cuts by MCOs
March 12, 2021Theresa Flaherty
COLUMBIA, S.C. – HME providers are fighting large managed care organizations that are increasingly pushing into more states and offering reduced reimbursement rates, say industry stakeholders.
The straw that’s breaking the camel’s back: The COVID-19 pandemic pushing the cost of doing business even higher, says Craig Douglas, vice president of payer and member relations for VGM.
“Acquisition...
Medicaid block grants: Make HME part of conversation, says Laura Williard
February 14, 2020Liz Beaulieu, Editor
WASHINGTON - CMS in late January took a formal step toward so-called Medicaid block grants with Healthy Adult Opportunity, a pathway for states to receive capped federal funds to deliver and pay for healthcare services for able-bodied adult recipients under Medicaid.
Laura Williard, vice president of payer relations for AAHomecare, spoke with HME News about how this latest twist on Medicaid funding represents both challenges and opportunities.
HME News: What's your take on block grants?
Laura...
States continue to grapple with Cures Act
October 11, 2019HME News Staff
WASHINGTON - HME providers in California and Indiana have recently received reprieves from steep Medicaid cuts, but the discussion is going to be ongoing in those states and others as Medicaid programs still try to comply with the 21st Century Cures Act.
Per the Cures Act, passed in late 2016, the federal portion of Medicaid reimbursement for HME cannot exceed what Medicare allows. States can either base their Medicaid rates on Medicare's lowest fee schedule; or they can gather aggregated...
Williard named to OAMES board
August 8, 2019HME News Staff
WORTHINGTON, Ohio - The Ohio Association of Medical Equipment Services has appointed Laura Williard, vice president of payer relations for AAHomecare, to its board of directors as AAHomecare liaison. She will provide guidance to association leaders on payer issues on the state and national level with managed care plans, Medicare Advantage, commercial payers and state Medicaid programs. “Laura is a very influential addition to our advocacy team on payer policy,” said Kam Yuricich, executive...