The American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare) announced the promotion of David Chandler to vice president of payer relations, reflecting his home medical equipment (HME) experience and leadership on high-impact payer relations efforts in his five-plus years with the association.
“We’re very fortunate to have such an experienced and determined advocate as David on our team,” said Tom Ryan, AAHomecare president and CEO. “His contributions leading state-level initiatives on reimbursements and access to care have paid significant dividends for HME suppliers, patients and caregivers.
“David has forged strong relationships with policymakers, HME leaders and patient groups that are helping us win on legislative campaigns,” continued Ryan. “He has a natural talent for collaboration that allows him to tap into the commitment and expertise of a wide range of HME stakeholders and health care advocates.”
AAHomecare said Chandler has been instrumental in the formation and strategy of AAHomecare’s Payer Relations Council and has taken a leading advocacy role with the association's Diabetes Council in protecting and expanding access to diabetes equipment and supplies in the home. He is also a leader in the association’s work to ensure coverage and access to ventilators, partnering with patient advocate groups like the ALS Association at both national and state levels to underscore the critical importance of these devices in supporting individuals with severe respiratory challenges.
“I was very fortunate to work with David on HME advocacy prior to his joining AAHomecare in 2019 and had a first-hand view of the tremendous impact he had at many levels,” said Laura Williard, senior vice president of payer relations. “It was clear to me that David was someone who we needed on board to expand the Payer Relations team. Since he’s been with the Association, we have had a trackable ROI of $750 million in payer relations wins and David has been instrumental in developing the strategy and execution underpinning these successes.”
Chandler has more than 20 years of direct HME industry experience, including work in sales, operations, reimbursement, as well as payer and government relations. Chandler’s service to the HME community also includes a term as president of the Atlantic Coast Medical Equipment Services Association and service as chairman of the Medicare Jurisdiction C Advisory Council. He was also elected to the North Carolina Board of Pharmacy/DME Subcommittee in 2016.
Chandler also currently serves on the board for the Alabama Durable Medical Equipment Association, Great Lakes Home Medical Services Association, Northeast Medical Equipment Providers Association, Pennsylvania Association of Medical Suppliers and the Arkansas Medical Equipment Providers Association.
