VGM & ASSOCIATESHealthcare MSO
Full Menu Search

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.

Lauryn Estrella Speaks On Tariffs Impacting HME Providers And Patients
Lauryn Estrella, Executive Director of HOMES, alongside Rep. Seth Magaziner (D-RI).

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 Estrella Speaks On Tariffs Impacting HME Providers And Patients

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.

Lauryn Estrella Speaks On Tariffs Impacting HME Providers And Patients

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.

Get Connected

Stay up-to-date on the latest resources and news provided by VGM & Associates.

Sign Up for Email

From Our Experts

OIG Report Signals Increased Fraud Oversight for DMEPOS Suppliers thumbnail OIG Report Signals Increased Fraud Oversight for DMEPOS Suppliers The HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) recently released a white paper examining ongoing Medicare fraud involving durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS). Preparing for Increased Audit Activity: How VGM Group and The van Halem Group Can Help thumbnail Preparing for Increased Audit Activity: How VGM Group and The van Halem Group Can Help The recent HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) report on DMEPOS fraud signals that CMS is likely to increase oversight activities across the industry. The report calls for enhanced supplier enrollment screening, more aggressive medical reviews, expanded use of artificial intelligence and data analytics, greater physician order verification, and increased scrutiny of supplier ownership and billing practices. CMS Releases Critical Updates On The Medicare Supplier Enrollment Moratorium And Round 2028 Competitive Bidding Program thumbnail CMS Releases Critical Updates On The Medicare Supplier Enrollment Moratorium And Round 2028 Competitive Bidding Program See CMS' notice on the Medicare Supplier Enrollment Moratorium below: Medicare's DMEPOS Supplier Enrollment Moratorium Has Expired | Action Required for Round 2028 Bidders This message is to inform you that the 6-month temporary moratorium on accepting Medicare supplier enrollment applications, which became effective on February 27, 2026, has now expired as of August 27, 2026. CMS Updates CBIC Website Bid Preparation Guidance for Round 2028 Competitive Bidding Program thumbnail CMS Updates CBIC Website Bid Preparation Guidance for Round 2028 Competitive Bidding Program On August 13, 2026, CMS posted several updated and new Fact Sheets and one new FAQ to the Bid Preparation Phase page on the CBIC website. Providers interested in submitting a bid for Round 2028 can find more program details, including the estimated number of contract awards, for each category. Important: HME Supplier Survey on Round 2028 Competitive Bidding Impact thumbnail Important: HME Supplier Survey on Round 2028 Competitive Bidding Impact AAHomecare is conducting a brief survey to help quantify the potential impact that Medicare's Remote Item Delivery (RID) model of Competitive Bidding would have on HME suppliers providing continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), insulin pumps, ostomy supplies, and/or urological supplies. Survey findings will be used to inform discussions with the White House, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), and Congress about the potential effects on supplier businesses, jobs, and patient... CMS Makes Finalized Change to DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program thumbnail CMS Makes Finalized Change to DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued the FY 2027 Inpatient Rehabilitation Facilities (IRF) Prospective Payment System (PPS) Final Rule (CMS-1845-F), increasing the DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program's bid surety bond amount to $100,000 (previously $50,000).... VGM Government Relations Launches State Payer Resource Hub for DMEPOS Providers thumbnail VGM Government Relations Launches State Payer Resource Hub for DMEPOS Providers This resource brings together key information frequently used by DMEPOS providers. Kentucky Governor Announces Reprieve from Previously Announced Kentucky Medicaid 4% Rate Cut thumbnail Kentucky Governor Announces Reprieve from Previously Announced Kentucky Medicaid 4% Rate Cut The administration expects the surplus funding to sustain current reimbursement levels through June 2027.

Give your business an advantage over the competition.

Become a Member