Tag: AAHomecare
Stakeholders hit the ground running with new bill
September 22, 2023Theresa Flaherty, Managing Editor
WASHINGTON – The HME industry needs to be “prepared for anything,” stakeholders say, to get reimbursement relief in place for 2024.
Stakeholders converged virtually on Capitol Hill on Sept. 20 as part of AAHomecare’s Washington Legislative Conference to push the DMEPOS Relief Act of 2023 (H.R. 5555), a bill that would provide a 90/10 blended Medicare reimbursement rate for most home medical equipment products in competitive bidding areas for all of 2024 and extend...
Bid relief bill drops ahead of Legislative Conference
September 19, 2023HME News Staff
WASHINGTON - Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, R-Iowa, and Paul Tonko, D-N.Y., have introduced a bill in the House of Representatives that would provide a 90/10 blended Medicare reimbursement rate for most home medical equipment products in competitive bidding areas for all of 2024.
The DMEPOS Relief Act of 2023 (H.R. 5555) would also extend the current 75/25 blended rate currently in effect in rural/non-CBA areas through 2024.
“This legislation provides a long-overdue relief...
Bill strengthens access to titanium wheelchairs
September 11, 2023HME News Staff
WASHINGTON – Rep. John Joyce, R-Pa., has introduced legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives that would allow for code upgrades for titanium and carbon fiber wheelchairs under Medicare. “Stronger patient access to lightweight carbon fiber and titanium wheelchairs will allow more individuals with mobility challenges to function independently and take part in their communities,” said Tom Ryan, AAHomecare president and CEO. “Working to build support for this measure has...
In brief: AAHomecare survey, Bigfoot sale, Medtronic lawsuit
September 8, 2023HME News Staff
WASHINGTON – AAHomecare has launched a survey to learn what education topics would be most beneficial to an HME company’s livelihood and operations.
The association will use the results of the survey to help shape a curriculum featuring respected thought leaders from the HME Industry and beyond that addresses pressing concerns.
“In a recent industry survey, nearly 250 HME professionals nationwide shared business pain points revealing critical challenges impacting...
AAHomecare seeks input on education
September 7, 2023HME News Staff
WASHINGTON – AAHomecare has launched a survey to learn what education topics would be most beneficial to an HME company’s livelihood and operations.
The association will use the results of the survey to help shape a curriculum featuring respected thought leaders from the HME Industry and beyond that addresses pressing concerns.
“In a recent industry survey, nearly 250 HME professionals nationwide shared business pain points revealing critical challenges impacting...
Stakeholders seek details on UHC plan to eliminate some prior auths
September 1, 2023Theresa Flaherty, Managing Editor
WASHINGTON – UnitedHealthcare’s plan to reduce prior authorizations was met with skepticism by industry stakeholders who say it’s more likely a public relations move in response to increased government scrutiny.
In August, UnitedHealthcare said it would begin a two-phased approach to eliminating prior authorizations for many product codes starting Sept. 1, 2023. That’s after the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee in May held a hearing on...
As natural disasters increase, so do out-of-pocket costs
September 1, 2023Theresa Flaherty, Managing Editor
WASHINGTON – With weather-related disasters seemingly more frequent and extreme, the HME industry remains frustrated that CMS doesn’t acknowledge the increased costs to DMEPOS suppliers, stakeholders say.
A day after Hurricane Idalia made landfall in Florida, CMS announced flexibilities for affected residents needing HME; it followed the same pattern in the days after wildfires devastated Maui in August. But providers – who go above and beyond – often do so at their...
AAH looks to reshape HME’s brand
September 1, 2023Liz Beaulieu, Editor
WASHINGTON – A clear frontrunner for one of AAHomecare’s top strategic priorities for the next few years is elevating the HME industry’s brand and value proposition, says President and CEO Tom Ryan.
Following a survey in May and an in-person meeting in Milwaukee in July, the association and its board of directors have narrowed down 14 possible strategic priorities to three.
“We’re really working on branding and being more patient focused as we address...
In brief: ResMed delays, AAH & CRT surveys, WellSky investment
August 25, 2023HME News Staff
SAN DIEGO – ResMed initiated an over-the-air update to its AirSense 11 devices on Aug. 23 to reduce the delay of patient therapy data into myAir and AirView and, ultimately, resolve transmission issues, according to an update posted to its website.
The company expects data to be available nightly in myAir and AirView within two weeks.
“While some patients may already be able to view their most recent therapy data in myAir, the process of restoring regular data updates...
AAHomecare seeks input on costs
August 24, 2023HME News Staff
WASHINGTON – AAHomecare is launching a nationwide survey to gather information on the rising costs of products, shipping and labor for those providing home oxygen equipment, CPAP devices and hospital beds.
Insights from the survey will be used on Capitol Hill to build support for continuing Medicare’s 75/25 blended reimbursement rates in non-bid, non-rural areas and to secure a 90/10 blended rate for former CBAs.
“The HME community has been operating under constrained...