Sarah James, Director of Therapies at Ozarks Healthcare, joins ASHA's Medicaid Committee to advocate for Improved Coverage and Payment for Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Services

Sarah James, Director of Therapies at Ozarks Healthcare, has been appointed to join the Medicaid Committee of the American Speech-Hearing Language Association (ASHA). ASHA's Medicaid Committee is a crucial board comprised of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and audiologists from across the nation, with the primary aim of enhancing coverage and payment for audiology and SLP services.

As a member of the committee, James will play a pivotal role in engaging with regulators and key decision-makers, including public (Medicare and Medicaid) and private payers, to advocate for payment and coverage policies that accurately reflect the value and full scope of audiology and speech-language pathology services.

James brings extensive experience in the field, particularly in navigating the evolving landscape of Medicaid coverage. She has witnessed the significant changes in Medicaid in Missouri, particularly with the introduction of managed Medicaid plans. These changes have resulted in reimbursement rates that often fall short of covering the costs for providers, putting access to care for patients at risk.

In the face of these challenges, providers like audiologists and SLPs are compelled to make operational adjustments to ensure survival. Recent statistics reveal that 19% have reduced the number of clinical staff, 21% have decreased clinical staff hours, and 30% have taken on additional employment to mitigate financial strains. Such circumstances pose a significant threat to facilities' ability to continue offering essential services to Medicaid patients.

“I'm excited to have the opportunity to be an advocate for our patients and to help get them the services that they need and deserve,” James said.

Through her involvement in ASHA's Medicaid Committee, she aims to address these pressing issues and work towards securing equitable coverage and payment policies.

Ozarks Healthcare is a not-for-profit health system that serves more than 160,000 residents across south-central Missouri and northern Arkansas. With its main campus residing in West Plains, Missouri, the health system offers a full spectrum of healthcare for all ages through its 114-bed hospital, behavioral health, therapies, pharmacies, rehabilitation, and home care services, along with specialty and family medicine clinics. Ozarks Healthcare has rural locations across an eight-county service area and is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations.

Sarah James, Director of Therapies at Ozarks Healthcare