Monday, May 12, 2014
WASHINGTON (May 7, 2014)—The American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare) and North Carolina Association for Medical Equipment Services (NCAMES) applauded Congresswoman Renee Ellmers (R-NC) for putting patients first through her plans to sponsor legislation to fix the broken Medicare audit system.
“Congresswoman Ellmers has recognized an intensifying problem in the home care industry,” said Robert Steedley, president, Barnes Healthcare Services and chairman of the AAHomecare board of directors. “We look forward to working with her to move this legislation forward.”
“AAHomecare has been raising the alarm and we have worked for a number of years on policy solutions to address this emerging issue,” said Tom Ryan, president and CEO of AAHomecare. “We appreciate and thank Congresswoman Ellmers for her understanding of the problems with the onerous audit system, as well as her continued efforts to address problems with competitive bidding.”
“As a result of her health care background, Rep. Ellmers knows how important it is to put the patient first,” said Beth Bowen, executive director of NCAMES. “This legislation will strengthen access to home care for patients and protect the small businesses that serve them.”
The complications presented by the out-of-control Medicare audit system and delay in final appeals puts patient access to home care in jeopardy. Many companies scale back services, or close, making it harder for beneficiaries to get their needed supplies, medications and home medical equipment. AAHomecare urges members of Congress to support legislation to reform the Medicare audit system for home medical equipment. Visit aahomecare.org for more information.
