Save My Medical Supplies, a new consumer-focused campaign designed to educate the public about how Medicare reform mistakes are impacting people with serious medical needs was launched today by the American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare).

All types of medical supplies, also referred to as home medical equipment (HME), such as wheelchairs, diabetic test strips, and oxygen, are being negatively impacted by changing Medicare policies.

"The HME industry can no longer afford to be the only voice in this debate," said Tom Ryan, president and CEO of AAHomecare. "People need to start shouting from the rooftops that Medicare reform mistakes are impacting their health and preventing them from getting the right home health supplies and equipment. The Save My Medical Supplies campaign is aimed directly at consumers to build public awareness, and a public outcry, from the millions of people who are receiving care from the HME industry."

The campaign revolves around www.SaveMyMedicalSupplies.org. The new website, as well as the Save My Medical Supplies Facebook page and Twitter feed, explains Medicare coverage criteria, complexities, and reform challenges in consumer-friendly language that is relatable, inclusive and easy to understand.

Specifically, the site explains how Medicare reform mistakes are hurting access to medical supplies or equipment, like wheelchairs, for people who have:
- Cerebral Palsy
- Diabetes
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Spina Bifida
- Spinal Cord Injury
- Other Medical Conditions

Mostly importantly, the site is designed to empower people, giving them tools to speak out as advocates on their own behalf or for someone they love. Site visitors can email their congressional representatives directly, sharing their personal stories about healthcare needs and urging Congress to stop Medicare reform mistakes by supporting H.R. 1717, the Medicare Market Pricing Program Act.

"Millions of people nationwide are being hurt by Medicare reform mistakes. SaveMyMedicalSupplies.org explains the issues in a personal way that everyone can understand, and take action on. Please take five minutes to stand up for someone you love - and send an email to Congress using the site's simple tool," said Lisa Wells, president of Get Social Consulting. Wells is managing the Save My Medical Supplies outreach effort on behalf of AAHomecare.

"It's important for people to understand how decisions made in Washington directly impact quality and access to care," said Anna McDevitt, president of Laboratory Marketing. "That is the main focus of SaveMyMedicalSupplies.org - creating a place for people and their care providers to speak out together for the right kind of Medicare reform." McDevitt is providing brand design support to the Save My Medical Supplies campaign.

Now that Save My Medical Supplies resources are available online, medical equipment manufacturers and healthcare providers can do three things to help spread the word to their customers, referral sources and local community:

1. Follow SaveMyMedicalSupplies on Facebook and Twitter.
[Facebook.com/savemymedicalsupplies or @savemymedsupply]
2. Share or retweet SMMS posts on to your organization's social media pages.
3. Share links to condition-specific pages from the SMMS website and social media within your organization's e-newsletters, blog and other consumer-facing online resources.

To receive updates from Save My Medical Supplies and learn more about how you can help spread the word within your community, email Beth Ludwick at AAHomecare, [email protected].

About AAHomecare

The American Association for Homecare represents durable medical equipment providers, manufacturers, and others in the homecare community that serve the medical needs of millions of Americans who require oxygen systems, wheelchairs, medical supplies, inhalation drug therapy, and other medical equipment and services in their homes. Members operate more than 3,000 homecare locations in all 50 states. Visit www.aahomecare.org.

Contacts:

Beth Ludwick, 202-372-0748, [email protected]

Save My Medical Supplies aims to educate the public about how Medicare reform mistakes are impacting people with disabilities and serious medical needs, nationwide. Visit: http://www.savemymedicalsupplies.org