Congratulations to Rose Schafhauser (MAMES and SWMESA) On Winning the 2025 Van Miller Homecare Champion Award!

Published in Government Relations on February 12, 2025

Rose Schafhauser has been named the 2025 Van Miller Homecare Champion! Please join us in congratulating Rose on this well-deserved recognition in the industry.

“For over four decades, Rose has served the HME community with unwavering dedication, passion, and leadership,” notes Tom Ryan, President & CEO of AAHomecare. “This recognition honors her incredible contributions to the HME industry, as well as her steadfast commitment to priority policy initiatives at both the federal and state levels.”

“Rose's service has been defined by tireless advocacy and a collaborative spirit," continues Ryan. "Through her involvement with several boards and committees, including the Jurisdiction A, B, and C Councils, the NSCAC, AAHomecare’s Executive Committee, and as past Chair of the State Leaders Council, Rose has been a driving force in advancing our industry. She has built relationships with members of Congress, most notably Sen. John Thune (SD), which have proven instrumental in securing reimbursement relief over the past decade. She prioritizes industry education, advocacy, and relationship building – which have been pillars of the organizations she manages. Rose has always shown unwavering commitment and dedication to the industry - all hallmarks of this award.”

Van Miller Homecare Champion Award

The Van Miller Homecare Champion Award, renamed in 2016 to reflect the legacy of Van G. Miller, founder and former CEO of VGM Group, Inc., celebrates individuals who have demonstrated the visionary spirit that has helped shape and strengthen our industry. Last year’s recipient, Joel Marx of Medical Service Company in Ohio, was recognized for his leadership and service as past chair of AAHomcare's Board of Directors and active member of OAMES. This year's award is presented to Rose, who has left an indelible mark on the HME community through her efforts to build strong collaborations on legislation, regulation, education, and promoting the value of high-quality, home-based care. Her influence reaches far beyond the MAMES and SWMESA footprint, impacting suppliers and HME leaders across the nation.

Rose Schafhauser – Champion of the HME Industry

Rose began with the HME industry as a supplier, where she built a working knowledge of Medicare as a Medicare claims processor and then later as General Manager of Healtheast Med Home. After her tenure in the HME industry, Rose established Association Management LLC where she became the Executive Director of MAMES and SWMESA. In this role, she works with volunteers across 11 states to guide advocacy, payer relations, and regulatory initiatives.

“I am truly humbled to be recognized as the 2025 Van Miller Homecare Champion and to share this award with the incredible past winners and nominees,” notes Rose.

“Having spent my entire 40-year career in the HME industry, I have been blessed to have learned from and work with the very best our industry has to offer. They have all contributed to driving my passion for serving the people I am so lucky to work with every day.

But it is my family that has provided the foundation to receiving this award. My husband Jim’s support these past 40 years from my days at Medicare to encouraging me to interview to become the General Manager at MedHome to supporting my crazy idea to start an association management company and then joining me 20 years ago has allowed me to pursue my passion. My daughters, Sara and Mary, who 25 years ago stuffed envelopes and prepped event packets and now work with us on events and administration have always driven me to show them what can be if you are willing to go get it.

I am honored to receive this award, and I would challenge every member of our HME community from the newest biller to the long-term owner to get involved. Together we can win!”

Award Recognition

We look forward to celebrating Rose’s achievements at the AAHomecare Update during Medtrade on Feb. 19, at 2:15 p.m. in Ballroom D3/4 in Dallas, TX. This will be a wonderful opportunity for the homecare community to honor her remarkable contributions. Following the presentation, leaders of AAHomecare’s councils will lead discussions on new challenges and opportunities impacting the HME community, including technology, a new administration, and more!