The American Association for Homecare recognized Regina Gillispie, president and owner of West Virginia-based Best Home Medical, with the 2018 Van Miller Homecare Champion Award at this week’s Medtrade event in Atlanta.
Gillespie received the award from AAHomecare President and CEO Tom Ryan during Tuesday morning’s Washington Update. The award ceremony included a video presentation cataloging Gillespie’s advocacy achievements.
“I love this person,” Ryan said after presenting Gillespie with the award. “People like Regina essentially take on a second job [advocacy] and they move the needle in this industry.”
Named for Van G. Miller, past CEO and founder of the VGM Group, the Homecare Champion Award recognizes individuals who have provided outstanding service to the HME community. In Gillespie’s case, the association honored her contributions in the fight for better public policy for the HME industry.
Gillespie’s recent accomplishments include her July effort to convince all five members of the West Virginia Congressional delegation to send a letter to CMS Administrator Verma asking her to address significant cost differences between rural and urban providers within the CBAs. She also connected Congressional offices with state Medicaid officials, who reinforced industry claims that patients and hospital discharge planners were facing a shrinking provider population.
“I truly appreciate the recognition of our achievements in West Virginia, and I want to thank some of the people who have helped make it possible,” Gillispie said. “The support and resources we’ve received from AAHomecare and VGM have been instrumental in our ability to engage our Congressional delegation and state officials.
“I’m also grateful for the support of my fellow providers statewide who have been persistent and passionate in their outreach to Capitol Hill and Medicaid officials,” she added. “And finally, I have to thank my Best Home Medical team for their work caring for our customers and allowing me to devote time to lobbying efforts.”