Three Ways to Keep the Focus on Quality Care

The recent passage of the $1.9T American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 means that there will be additional relief to address the continued impact of COVID-19.

However, there is still more that we can do to make sure our voices are heard and keep the importance of receiving quality, accessible home medical equipment (HME) and services at the forefront of Congress’ mind.

What can you do?

1. Get to know your members of congress. Whether they’re a freshman member or have served for years, we encourage you introduce yourself to your member of Congress and talk about the issues that affect you and your loved ones, including the ability to receive access to quality care, medical equipment and supplies, as well as the ability to receive the COVID-19 vaccination. Members of Congress need to hear from constituents to know the issue is important in their district. Let them know of any issues you may be facing. Get started by finding your members of Congress here.

VGM Government just released the results of their 2021 Home Medical Equipment Delivery Cost Survey, which demonstrates the real cost of providing equipment, such as oxygen, hospital beds, mobility equipment, and more to patients’ homes before and during the public health emergency. You can use this resource to show you members of Congress the real cost – and increase – of providing this medical equipment. Click here to view the results.

2. Reach out to your governor’s office today and urge them to include HME providers as a priority when it comes to the distribution of personal protective equipment (PPE) and vaccinations. HME suppliers play an essential role in obtaining the medical equipment and supplies you rely on every day. As the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination continues, it is essential that these suppliers and their staff be protected so they can continue to care for patients and provide high-quality care. You can easily send a message to your governor by clicking here and entering in your information. Your request will be sent to your governor’s office. Please encourage all of your co-workers, friends, and family to do the same!
3. Share the importance of your equipment and services you rely on with us. For years, the HME industry has suffered continuous reimbursement cuts to home medical products and services. We must ensure that the suppliers of these goods and services continue to stay in business. One way to do so is to hear about the importance of these quality services and products from YOU. Hearing from patients directly about the great services received from suppliers during this pandemic can show that home medical equipment providers are a necessity and that they must be able to stay in business to continue supplying these essential services to you. We encourage you to add a comment below about the great services you have received from your supplier, and for them to continue providing high quality services and products, they must remain in business.

Continue to make your voices heard to keep quality care, equipment, and services a focus throughout the home medical equipment industry.