What does it mean to “Stand Up for Homecare”?

If you’re in the homecare industry, you hear that phrase a lot, but what does it really mean?

First and foremost, it means building positive perceptions of home medical equipment (HME) on Capitol Hill. At the same time, it means getting positive, accurate news about HME into national and local media through direct outreach to journalists.

Too often it’s the small number of scammers and fraud artists who think they can make a quick buck by ripping off Medicare that make the news and catch the eye of Congress—not the many dedicated HME professionals who work long hours taking care of patients. That’s just not right, and the Stand Up for Homecare campaign works year-round to change it.

Second, it means attending the Stand Up for Homecare reception, which is widely regarded as the networking event at Medtrade. The reception brings together HME leaders of all sorts—manufacturers, large and small providers, patient advocacy groups, and more. This is the place to put faces with names, join conversations covering every aspect of the homecare industry, and get energized for whatever lies ahead!

Of course, none of this can happen without resources, bringing us to…

Third, it means donating what you can afford to the Stand Up for Homecare campaign. Whether it’s a little, a lot, or something in between, every penny counts and is deeply appreciated. So far, funds raised by the campaign have helped AAHomecare:

• reach more than 10 million Americans with articles in newspapers and magazines, print ads, and letters to the editor last year.
• grow our grassroots network by signing up nearly 9,000 homecare advocates who have generated more than 20,000 messages to Congress in the past 18 months.
• collaborate with consumer and patient groups to expand awareness and support for fair Medicare policies for homecare.

In addition, the campaign funds the production of two influential newsletters that are sent to the media and to healthcare staffers on Capitol Hill:

• Mobility Matters focuses on the role that power mobility and complex rehab equipment play in allowing individuals with mobility challenges to thrive.
• DME Matters highlights problems being caused for patients and providers by the so-called “competitive” bidding program.

These newsletters are produced to inform and engage Capitol Hill, the media, and the general public. We’re happy to add you to the distribution lists, so feel free to sign up for Mobility Matters and/or DME Matters by emailing info@aahomecare.org and asking to receive either or both publications.

If you’re planning to attend Medtrade, why not join us on Tuesday, October 8 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at Baterbys Art Gallery in Orlando, Fla. Network with HME leaders and welcome our newest Homecare Champions into the Homecare Champions Hall of Fame.

Even if you can’t come to the reception, please consider making a donation. We’ll include your name on signs at the event, in our Wednesday in Washington newsletter, and our website. And, we’re happy to hold tickets for anyone you choose to attend in your place. Register online or download a form to mail or fax back to us.

The homecare community understands the issues that affect both businesses and patients because we live them every day. But Congress and the media need help understanding what’s important and why. They need to hear about the knowledge and dedication required to serve patients the right way. Stand Up for Homecare and make it happen!