Champion Of Change: Lauryn Estrella Speaks On Tariffs Impacting HME Providers And Patients

Published in Government Relations on April 21, 2025

Today, we shine a spotlight on Lauryn Estrella, the dedicated Executive Director of Home Medical Equipment and Services Association of New England (HOMES) and a true Champion of Change in the HME industry.

Last week, Lauryn was the key representative of the HME industry during a roundtable discussion hosted in Rhode Island. The event delved into the profound effects of tariffs on local businesses. Lauryn focused on challenges faced by HME providers and the patients they serve. Her insights highlighted the industry's struggles and brought attention to the urgent need for solutions that would safeguard both the businesses and communities reliant on their services.

Lauryn’s advocacy doesn’t stop there. Later this week, she will continue championing the cause as she takes part in discussions on Medicaid cuts in New Hampshire—another vital issue affecting healthcare access and provider sustainability.

Thank you, Lauryn, for being a true Champion of Change—passionately advocating on behalf of providers, patients, and the HME industry as a whole!

As reported by HOMES:

On April 16, 2025, HOMES Executive Director, Lauryn Estrella, participated in a press roundtable hosted by Rep. Seth Magaziner (RI-02) to discuss the impact of tariffs on home medical equipment (HME) providers and patients in Rhode Island.

Lauryn joined leaders from construction, hospitality, and manufacturing organizations within the state to discuss how the recent tariffs could affect local businesses. She specifically spoke about the current challenges facing the HME industry, including the ongoing fight for sustainable reimbursement, and how tariffs would only worsen the situation - further limiting patient access to the medical equipment they need to remain safe at home.

She pointed out that, unlike other industries, providers can’t pass added costs on to their patients and noted the significant decline in the number of providers since the implementation of Medicare’s competitive bidding program. When an industry already burdened by ongoing reimbursement concerns is further impacted by tariffs, it becomes extremely difficult - in some cases, impossible - for providers to deliver the quality care their patients need and deserve.

Rhode Island has already experienced a 22% decline in HME providers from 2013 to 2022, and by 2023, that number had risen to 33%. If tariffs are imposed on home medical equipment and supplies, that number is likely to climb even higher.

Though it's clear that tariffs on essential medical equipment and supplies pose a serious threat to HME providers and the patients they serve, it was encouraging to hear Rep. Magaziner and his team acknowledge and understand our concerns - even saying, “We’re friends for life now.”

A big thank you to Rep. Magaziner for hosting this important event and ensuring home medical equipment was part of the discussion. We’re hopeful these conversations will continue and open the door for real solutions that support both patients and providers in Rhode Island.