Letter from the President and Executive Director: 

Thank you for your interest in the Atlantic Coast Medical Equipment Services Association.  We are a multi-state association whose members and associate members provide the finest home medical equipment and services, patient-care, and civic involvement.  We’re proud that during a time when our industry has suffered nearly 40% attrition, our association has shown steady growth.

As our population continues to get older, the need to protect access to home medical equipment has never been greater.  Our membership provides respiratory care such as oxygen, CPAP, and ventilators, mobility products, infusion therapy, diabetic supplies, incontinence products, hospital beds, patient lifts, aids to daily living and so much more.  Our goal is to help our patients “age in place,” safely in their homes.  Our products help save money as well – studies show that every $1.00 spent on DME saves $24.00 in other medical spending.

Our association has two meetings annually, dedicated to a wide array of educational topics ranging from Medicare and Medicaid regulations and requirements, to government relations, to best practices for our businesses.  We are also proud to have established solid working relationships with our state Medicaid agencies, Medicare, private insurance carriers, and other state agencies.  Our meetings also include our manufacturing partners / sponsors, who bring their products and representatives – an important part of our events.

ACMESA is perhaps the most active legislatively of any association in the country, at both the State and Federal level.   Our members’ frequent visits to our state capitols and Washington D.C., have resulted in numerous pieces of legislation that help protect patient access to Durable Medical Equipment.  We also have a strong working relationship with VGM Government Affairs, and AAHomecare, our D.C.-based lobby association – both have been invaluable for our industry.  Having both state and federal lobbyists have proven effective on many counts.

We’re extremely proud that during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, our membership worked cooperatively, across competitive lines to make sure that all patients received quality care.  We were on the front lines of providing equipment that enabled patients to remain in their homes, and eliminate overcrowding in hospitals.  Our products and services save lives.

If you have any questions about ACMESA, or would like to join our growing membership and get regular updates on issues and actions facing our industry, please contact us at the e-mail address below.

Craig Rae, President

craig@penrodmedical.com
Beth Bowen, Executive Director 
Beth@atlanticcoastmesa.org