Tag: Karyn Estrella
In brief: HHS proposes changes to Stark Law, Estrella named Homecare Champion
October 11, 2019HME News Staff
WASHINGTON - The Department of Health and Human Services has proposed changes to the Stark Law that would, among other things, create new exceptions that recognize incentives are different in healthcare systems that pay for value- vs. volume-based care.The proposal includes proper safeguards that ensure the Stark Law will continue to provide meaningful protection against overutilization and other harms, while giving physicians and other healthcare providers added flexibility to improve the quality...
Karyn Estrella to be recognized as Homecare Champion
October 11, 2019HME News Staff
WASHINGTON - Karyn Estrella has been named as the 2019 Van G. Miller Homecare Champion.
Estrella, the long-time leader of the Home Medical Equipment Services Association of New England, passed away July 4. She is remembered for her passionate advocacy on behalf of the HME industry.
“Karyn was a force in her meetings with policymakers, but the way she encouraged and supported so many other individuals in New England to become strong HME advocates is probably the most important part of...
Industry loses passionate leader
July 9, 2019HME News Staff
NEW BEDFORD, Mass. - Karyn Estrella, the president and CEO of Home Medical Equipment and Services Association of New England, has died at 61. She spent more than 20 years advocating for the HME industry. AAHomecare President and CEO Tom Ryan told the attendees at the recent Washington Legislative Conference to channel Estrella in their congressional visits, calling her a “tiger.” “She leaves behind an amazing record of accomplishment, and a legacy of leadership and service to the...
Estrella takes time away from HOMES
April 26, 2019HME News Staff
NEW BEDFORD, Mass. - Karyn Estrella, president and CEO of the Home Medical Equipment and Services Association of New England (HOMES), is taking a medical leave from the association. During her absence, Lauryn Estrella, Karyn's daughter and the administrative assistant for HOMES, will be fielding emails and phone calls on her behalf. “We do expect her back but it is unclear when that may be,” states a HOMES email bulletin. Robbin Eusebio will also be at HOMES to assist Lauryn and the...
Busy week for HOMES
February 13, 2019HME News Staff
BOSTON - Competitive bidding, reimbursement and audits were among the topics discussed at a Feb. 12 meeting between HOMES and HHS and CMS officials.The 90-minute meeting was the result of an invitation of HHS Secretary Alex Azar."We covered a wide array of issues and will be following up with additional information,” said Karyn Estrella, HOMES executive director, in a bulletin.Also in attendance was David Reilly, clinical coordinator at Sturdy Memorial Hospital in Attleboro, Mass., who discussed...
Stakeholders grease wheels for possible action in September
July 28, 2017Theresa Flaherty, Managing Editor
WASHINGTON - Industry stakeholders have legislative language being vetted that would freeze payment rates at the Jan. 1, 2016, amounts, and fix the so-called “double-dip” for oxygen payments.The news comes on the eve of the August recess, a time when HME providers need to turn up the heat on lawmakers while they're back in their home districts.“Then we can say, 'Here's your August meeting agenda,'” said Tom Ryan, president and CEO of AAHomecare. “Get them to understand...
Maine: Medicaid programs rescinds bid-related cuts
August 19, 2016Theresa Flaherty, Managing Editor
AUGUSTA, Maine - HME providers were ready for a fight with Medicaid officials over recent reimbursement cuts, but they were pleasantly surprised it turned out to be mostly unnecessary.At an Aug. 2 meeting with members of the Home Medical Equipment and Services Association of New England, MaineCare officials said they planned to revert to the December 2015 fee schedule.“They told us they will change the rates, hopefully in the next few weeks, and they will adjust all claims retroactively going...
Providers appeal for help
May 20, 2016Theresa Flaherty, Managing Editor
PORTLAND, Maine - Providers from around New England took to the podium at a Small Business Administration hearing here last week, giving government officials and lawmakers an eye-opening look at what it's like to be in the HME business right now.
“I am here today to tell you that CMS's implementation of competitive bidding, capped rentals on home oxygen therapy and ongoing unnecessary audits…is as bad, if not worse, than what is going on with the Veterans Administration,”...
New England: Provider outreach pays off
September 25, 2015Tracy Orzel
BOSTON - MassHealth has given stakeholders its word that the agency will not pursue volume purchasing for HME like incontinence products.The state in May included language to allow the state's Medicaid program to contract directly with DME manufacturers and distributors, bypassing providers, in its proposed Medicaid budget for fiscal year 2016.Although the governor in July signed the budget into law, MassHealth is not required to contract with DME vendors.“We met with the department head of...
Massachusetts: Proposal could cut out new providers
May 26, 2015Tracy Orzel
BOSTON - Massachusetts' proposed Medicaid budget for fiscal year 2016 raises more questions than it answers, say DME stakeholders.
Under the proposal, the state's Medicaid program, MassHealth, would be allowed to contract with DME manufacturers and distributors, bypassing providers.
“At this point, the language is fairly vague and it doesn't have a specific plan in place, which is a concern for providers, because we don't know where that leaves us,” said Peter Tallas,...