Providers meet with gov’t officials
By HME News Staff
Updated 10:14 AM CST, Tue February 15, 2022
WATERLOO, Iowa – HME providers in Kentucky and Tennessee attended a virtual meeting with various government officials to discuss the tornadoes that ripped through those two states in December. The meeting, which was assembled by Tangita Daramola, the competitive acquisition ombudsman, and the VGM Government Relations team, was attended by representatives from FEMA, the Office of the Assistant Secretary with Preparedness and Response, the Small Business Administration, CGS and CMS’s Office of Program Operations and Local Engagement. “Much of the discussion included billing and reimbursement concerns during and after a disaster, as well as additional expenses incurred by suppliers,” VGM stated. “This meeting was a great steppingstone for an end goal of improved processes and clear guidance and policies for DME suppliers during an emergency.” Also attending the meeting were members of the Emergency Preparedness for Home Medical Equipment Suppliers Committee, which includes state association leaders, AAHomecare’s Kim Brummett, and VGM’s John Gallagher and Emily Harken. “The (committee) is looking forward to continuing to educate the federal groups on all the distresses and invaluable services DME suppliers provide during and after a disaster,” VGM stated. “The group’s intent is to make solid changes for suppliers in future disasters and broaden awareness with federal groups.”
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