28:42 to watch
In this episode of Claim to Fame podcast, we chat with Stephanie Legree from AAHomecare. Starting her journey in a family-owned DME business, Stephanie shares her lifelong experiences in the industry and her transition to a national advocacy role with AAHomecare.
What’s Covered?
Stephanie highlights the importance of involvement in state associations and AAHomecare for DME providers, addressing critical issues like competitive bidding and policy advocacy. She offers insights into her advocacy work, the benefits of networking, and the importance of proactive engagement. Tune in to learn about the efforts to strengthen the voice of DME providers in Washington and strategies to involve the next generation in this vital industry.
Podcast Transcription
Podcast Episode: Transforming Home-Based Care
Guest: Stephanie Legree, project manager at AAHomecare
Hosts: Alex & Wayne (NikoHealth)
Episode Overview
In this episode of the Claim to Fame podcast, the hosts sit down with Stephanie Legree of AAHomecare to discuss her lifelong connection to the DME industry, her path into national advocacy, and why provider engagement has never been more important.
Stephanie’s Background & Industry Roots
Stephanie shares how she quite literally grew up in the DME industry through her family’s business, Benson’s Home Health Care, a multi-state provider founded in 1953. She worked across nearly every department – warehouse, customer service, rehab, program management, and billing, giving her a rare, full-spectrum understanding of provider operations. Her time in billing and rehab, in particular, opened her eyes to payer challenges, prior authorizations, and the real-world impact delays have on patients.
Finding Advocacy & AAHomecare
Her involvement with jurisdiction councils and attendance at her first Washington Legislative Conference marked a turning point. Stephanie describes realizing she wasn’t alone—providers nationwide were facing the same struggles. That realization ultimately led her to join AAHomecare, where she now helps providers amplify their voices at the national level.
Policy Wins & Advocacy Focus
One of the most meaningful advocacy battles Stephanie discusses is the removal of blanket orders for CPAP supplies, a policy that created unnecessary administrative burden without improving patient care. This win reinforced her belief in the “patients over paperwork” mindset and showed how collective advocacy can drive real change.
She also highlights her current focus on:
- Competitive bidding
- H.R. 2005, addressing blended reimbursement rates in rural areas
- Encouraging providers to actively engage with lawmakers and submit formal comments on proposed rules
Empowering the Next Generation
Stephanie emphasizes the importance of getting newer and younger professionals involved in advocacy. Through AAHomecare’s open councils—including the Payer Relations, Medical Supplies, and Complex Rehab & Mobility Councils—she encourages members to “take a seat at the table” and speak up. Many challenges providers face are shared, and collaboration is key to progress.
Why AAHomecare Membership Matters
Stephanie explains that AAHomecare:
- Represents providers, manufacturers, and associates
- Advocates on legislative, regulatory, and payer issues
- Provides fast, reliable industry updates
- Creates powerful networking and peer-to-peer support opportunities
For smaller and mid-sized providers especially, she stresses that involvement—starting at the state association level and expanding nationally—can make a meaningful difference.
Looking Ahead
As the industry faces major changes, Stephanie urges providers not to sit on the sidelines. Engagement, advocacy, and participation are critical to protecting patient access and ensuring the long-term viability of DME providers nationwide.
The episode wraps up with a lighthearted rapid-fire segment and a reminder that progress in the industry depends on people showing up, speaking out, and working together.
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