AAH’s regulatory rundown: Wins in Georgia, California 

WASHINGTON – AAHomecare and the Georgia Association of Medical Equipment Suppliers (GAMES) recently secured a rate floor for DME using regulatory authority. 

The rate floor was added into the new RFP for Medicaid CMO plans starting July 1, 2024. 

“It was gratifying to see Georgia legislators support our efforts in working with Georgia Department of Community Health to get this important protection for DME providers in the state,” said Laura Williard, senior vice president of payer relations for AAHomecare, who worked closely with Peachtree Government Relations and helped organize two lobby days in the state to educate government officials on reimbursement challenges providers face. “The partnership between GAMES and AAHomecare helped drive this successful effort. It is a model we hope to use when working with other states to get the rate floor implemented through regulatory channels.” 

The GAMES board and Legislative Committee provided strategic direction, secured funding for lobbying efforts, and mobilized its membership for grassroots advocacy in support of establishing the rate floor.   

In California, Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed into law AB 1203, a bill exempting breast pumps and supplies from the state sales tax for five years. The win comes after a year of grassroots advocacy and work with a state lobbyist through Parity for Pumps, an initiative of the AAHomecare Breastfeeding Coalition. 

"This is a large win for the Breastfeeding Coalition and Parity for Pumps,” said Tilly Gambill, senior director of education, marketing and events for AAHomecare. “California was a key state for our members. We appreciate the leadership and passion for this legislation from Dr. Jasmeet Bains, our champion in the assembly. While this win comes on the heels of state sales tax exemption for breast pumps and supplies in Illinois and Rhode Island last year, we are emboldened by the unanimous support the legislation received in California and look to continue the momentum across the nation."