Some of the HME industry's hottest issues were the subject of discussion among Medtrade speakers and attendees alike. Following are comments on just a few of the topics that dominated conversation at the show.
On Medicare reform* —
“We don't know what will really happen. [AAHomecare] is still fighting because we can't let just this small segment of our industry support the Medicare prescription drug benefit … We have had quite a few new letters come in against competitive bidding and also against the copay for home health and a lot of other issues that are hurting the whole frame of home care.”
— Kay Cox, president and CEO, American Association for Homecare
*According to Cox, AAHomecare received 20,000 responses from association members, industry providers, manufacturers and beneficiaries who signed the association's open letter to Congress addresing HME concerns in Medicare reform. While the legislation remained in conference at press time, AAHomecare reported it is likely the final bill will include a CPI freeze on DME followed by competitive bidding. Check HomeCare Monday, our weekly e-newsletter, for the latest updates. To subscribe, visit www.homecaremag.com.
On industry involvement —“The American Association for Homecare and the state associations have not been fully recognized by many DME/HME dealers. These associations take the message to the state capitols and to Washington, D.C.
“If your company is not a member of AAHomecare and your state association, please join now. They represent every dealer, not just those who belong. You must give them the strength they need to speak on your behalf.
“Will both Medicaid and Medicare reduce reimbursements much further? The answer is ‘yes.’ This is why you must support the associations who fight for you. Keep in mind at all times that they are your voice.”
— Sheldon “Shelly” Prial, partner, HPS Healthcare Management and HomeCare columnist
“When the reimbursement dollars hit bottom, so will the service and so will the patient satisfaction, because as far as I'm concerned, payers want one thing more than they want anything else, and that's not price: They want transparent transactions. They don't want any complaints. They don't want any hassles.
“As soon as you start getting that level of service down to the point where we can get the consumer complaining about it, then I think we will see some changes. But [for providers], it is a matter of being able to hang on and have the capital to hold on while this happens.”
— Simon Margolis, vice president of clinical and professional development, National Seating and Mobility, and president, Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America
“This industry today has challenges facing it that include Medicare reform and Medicare dependence, reimbursement cuts, shrinking margins and the possibility of bidding for business … But at the same time, we all know incredibly well that the patient population in this industry over the next decade is going to look like a geometric code. It is going to dramatically increase — and not just that population of seniors but that population of super-seniors … and that throws market share right into your business.”
— Timothy S. Mescon, Ph.D., Dean, Michael J. Coles College of Business, Kennesaw State University, and partner, HA&W Mescon Group
“It's a caring profession, a community, with results that make people smile.”
— Dan Acker, Peak Medical, Simpsonville, S.C.
“We provide service that helps people solve problems.”
— Andy Gossett, Community Medical Equipment, Lufkin, Texas
“No matter how bad the day, I know I have helped someone.”
— Tom Owen, Home Care Allies, Toledo, Ohio
