ACMESA Pushes to Protect HME Access in Virginia
Advocates lobby for legislative amendments that would require state to ensure MCOs pay providers full published rates.
- By David Kopf
- Jan 30, 2020
ACMESA’s Virginia lobbying team logged more than 60 visits over a two-day period effort. The association says more meetings are in the works.
Members of the Atlantic Coast Medical Equipment Services Association (
ACMESA) from Virginia have been lobbying hard to ensure fair funding and patient access for HME in their state.
The Old Dominion advocates are calling on members of the Virginia House and Senate to support proposed amendments to the state’s 2020 budget bill that would require Virginia’s Department of Medical Assistance Services to set the rates paid by Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) at 100 percent of the state Medicaid program’s rates for HME items.
The specific amendments are the Senate Amendment, SB30 Item 313 #47s, which was introduced by Sen. Frank Ruff, and the House Amendment, HB30 Item 313 #60h, introduced by Delegate James Edmunds.
Reports back from advocates were positive, with ACMESA’s Virginia Lobbyist Marcia Tetterton noting that the group worked had put in a concerted effort.
“All meetings were positive with a supportive tone,” said Sam Clay of Clay Home Medical-Aerocare.
“This is the most organized effort I have ever been a part of in trying to get some favorable legislation,” added Ronnie Rankin of Culpeper Home Medical.
ACMESA's Virginia Lobbyist Marcia Tetterton (VAHC) shown here with Del. Luke Torian (Appropriations Chair) and ACMESA members Sandy Webb and Sam Clay of Clay Home Medical-Aerocare.
Tetterton said the team was urging their fellow providers in the state to stay on Legislators’ agendas through phone calls, emails and in-person visits. Longtime industry advocate on both the national stage and in Virginia Wayne Stanfield agreed and encouraged Virginia providers to get involved.
“It is imperative that we keep the pressure on Legislators,” Stanfield said. “I urge ACMESA and all members to [contact] all members of the Finance and Appropriations Committees over the next few days. Additionally, urge every supplier you know and every pharmacy doing any DME to call. We truly have a chance to stop this in the short term with a full-court press.”
Key committee rosters:
About the Author
David Kopf is the Publisher HME Business, DME Pharmacy and Mobility Management magazines. He was Executive Editor of HME Business and DME Pharmacy from 2008 to 2023. Follow him on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/dkopf/ and on Twitter at @postacutenews.