In brief: Aeroflow & Canopie, prior auth relief, massive fraud takedown

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Aeroflow Health has acquired Canopie, a digital health company that provides virtual preventative care programs for expecting and new moms, with a focus on mental health and physical wellness.

Aeroflow already connects moms with lactation supplies, feeding support, and perinatal education through its flagship business, Aeroflow Breastpumps.

"Supporting mothers through every stage of pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond has always been our vision, not just through products, but through education, clinical services and personalized care," said Jennifer Jordan, executive vice president of Aeroflow Breastpumps. "The addition of Canopie is a natural extension of that vision, strengthening our ability to address one of the most critical and underserved aspects of maternal health: mental wellness. Together, we're creating a more connected, comprehensive care experience that meets mothers where they are and supports them throughout their entire journey."

Aeroflow says the acquisition is the natural next step in a partnership that goes back to 2022, when it first invested in Canopie after a successful collaboration demonstrating the potential of integrating mental health and lactation support.

Beyond its direct-to-consumer channels, Aeroflow and Canopie will continue to grow relationships with health plans and government agencies, by offering a delivery model anchored in measurable, demonstrable improvements in maternal health outcomes and the cost-savings that follow, they say.

"Aeroflow has been successful because we put patients first, and cultivated a culture of profit with purpose,” said Casey Hite, CEO of Aeroflow Health. “This acquisition will help close the maternal care gap at scale. With Canopie, we can now bring even more comprehensive maternal care to the 1.7 million expecting and new mothers who come to Aeroflow every year."

Related reading:

• Aeroflow Health celebrates coverage for telehealth lactations services.
• Aeroflow Health supports efforts to extend Medicaid coverage for post-partum services in Wisconsin.

Bill seeks to eliminate prior authorization for wheelchair repairs

WASHINGTON – Rep. Ayanna Pressley, D-Mass., has introduced legislation that would remove prior authorization requirements from Medicare Advantage plans for maintenance and repairs to wheelchairs and other complex rehab technology (CRT).

“When a wheelchair breaks down, daily life is disrupted,” said Pressley. “I’m grateful to my constituents and our disability justice advocates for informing this vital legislation.”

Pressley announced the “Facilitating Access to Service and Timely Repairs for Wheelchairs Act” alongside leaders of the Task Force on Aging and Families.

Under the bill:

• Medicare Advantage plans could not impose prior authorization, prescription or medical documentation requirements for repairs to CRT for plan years beginning on or after Jan. 1 following enactment.
• Prior authorization would be eliminated for the initial evaluation of medical necessity, or for replacement of CRT due to loss, irreparable damage, the end of its reasonable useful lifetime, or when the equipment has been in use for five years.

The bill would also align Medicare Advantage with traditional Medicare, where prior authorization is generally not required for wheelchair repairs. It defines CRT as including certain complex rehabilitative power wheelchairs, complex rehabilitative manual wheelchairs and certain manual wheelchairs, along with related accessories furnished with those items.

According to Pressley:

• More than 5.5 million people use wheelchairs in the United States, and regular maintenance and repairs are inevitable.
• More than 50% of wheelchairs break down within a six-month period, with average repair times of two to four weeks.
• Some wheelchair users wait six months or longer for repairs.

The issue is particularly pressing under Medicare Advantage, supporters say, because plans often require prior authorization for each repair, even after the chair itself has already been approved. That can add paperwork and delay for repairs ranging from routine maintenance to minor fixes.

“Right now, disabled people have to wait weeks to months to get approval to be able to repair their wheelchairs and this keeps them from being able to have the freedom of mobility,” said Mia Ives-Rublee, senior director for the Disability Justice Initiative at American Progress. “The durable medical provider market continues to shrink due to the acquisitions of smaller local providers, making it difficult to obtain repair appointments, particularly in rural areas. This bill will make it easier for disabled people to get back to their everyday lives.” 

The bill is endorsed by a long list of disability, rehabilitation and assistive technology organizations, including United Spinal Association, the International Registry of Rehabilitation Technology Suppliers (iNRRTS), the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA), the Clinician Task Force, the National Coalition for Assistive and Rehab Technology (NCART) and Paralyzed Veterans of America.

“All consumers have the right to quick repairs, and they should not have to wait 7-21 days for paperwork to be approved,” said Wayne Grau, executive director of NCART.

Aeroflow survey: Caregivers face rising financial strain

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Many unpaid caregivers are struggling with out-of-pocket costs, work disruptions and limited support from the health care system, according to a new survey from Aeroflow Urology.

“Caregiver burnout isn’t just an emotional issue,” said Aleece Fosnight, medical advisor at Aeroflow Urology. “Caregiver burnout can contribute to poorer patient care, increased complications, and higher overall health care utilization.”

Aeroflow Urology, a nationwide provider of incontinence care supplies through insurance, commissioned a third-party survey in April 2026 of more than 1,000 Americans who provide regular, unpaid care to someone due to a disability, medical condition or older age.

Survey results found:

• 73% of caregivers are providing care for more than five years.
• 77% of respondents have been financially overwhelmed by the cost of caregiving.
• More than half (57%) have had to reduce hours at work due to caregiving.
• One out of four caregivers spend more than $500 a month on caregiving supplies.
• More than half (57%) report their loved one has suffered from a more severe complication due to not having enough resources or assistance.
• More than half (55%) shared additional insurance coverage would ease caregiving burden, while (70%) report additional financial assistance would improve their caregiving ability.
• 89% of caregivers wish more assistance and resources were provided by their doctors.

“Caregiving is the ultimate, often invisible, sacrifice that serves as the backbone of American healthcare,” said Mica Phillips, vice president of Aeroflow Urology. “These results indicate the country is failing our caregivers, and that true financial and systemic support is crucial to preventing more severe complications.”

The survey also found significant mental health effects. Three out of four respondents said their mental health has been negatively affected since becoming a caregiver, and 90% reported experiencing stress, anxiety or depression. About two-thirds cited lack of personal time and self-care as the biggest emotional strain.

DOJ charges 455 in $6.5B fraud takedown

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has charged 455 defendants in connection with more than $6.5 billion in alleged health care fraud, including schemes involving durable medical equipment, Medicaid, opioids and other health care services.

“Health care fraud steals from taxpayers, exploits vulnerable patients, and puts lives at risk,” said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. “We will find you, we will prosecute you and we will hold you accountable.”

The 2026 National Health Care Fraud Takedown included cases in 56 federal districts and 45 U.S. states and territories, with 50 state Medicaid Fraud Control Units participating, the most in DOJ history. The defendants include 90 doctors and other licensed medical professionals.

Takedown highlights:

• Federal officials reported more than $182 million in seized assets, including cash, luxury vehicles and jewelry.
• The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) suspended 1,079 providers and revoked billing privileges for 1,403 providers.
• HHS-OIG reported more than 1,400 provider exclusions and 25 actions seeking more than $10 billion in payments to the Medicare Trust Fund.
• DOJ reported 295 Medicaid defendants and more than $518 million in false Medicaid claims, the largest number in its history

“This year’s National Health Care Fraud Takedown represents the greatest whole-of-government effort to combat health care fraud in our nation’s history,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche.

The DOJ highlighted continued enforcement around DME-related fraud, including a scheme involving urinary catheters and other DME that were allegedly never provided. In the Southern District of Florida, Ibrahim Hilmi was charged in connection with an additional $3.7 billion in false claims tied to the scheme. Authorities say Hilmi was apprehended in Kyrenia and returned to the United States.

The FBI also reported the apprehension of Herb Kimble, a fugitive wanted in connection with a previously charged $1.2 billion telemedicine and DME scheme. Kimble was arrested in the Philippines after being named to the FBI’s Most Wanted Fraudsters List.

“CMS is done playing catch-up,” said CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz. “We’re deploying advanced data analytics to expose fraud networks, freeze suspicious payments, and shut down bad actors before they can do damage.”

• Related: Go here to view the DOJ’s press conference on the takedown.

SOAR Act gains cosponsors

WASHINGTON – Following AAHomecare’s Washington Legislative Conference in May, the Supplemental Oxygen Access Reform Act (SOAR Act) has added 13 new co-sponsors in the House of Representatives and two in the Senate. H.R. 2902 and S. 1406 would, among other things, establish a separate payment rate for liquid oxygen to ensure access for Medicare beneficiaries with complex respiratory needs and permanently remove oxygen from competitive bidding. 

The SOAR Act would also:  

• Establish an add-on payment rate for respiratory therapy services to the supplemental oxygen rate, including the blended rates for rural and other non-urban areas.  
• Establish and require the use of an electronic template created by CMS to make it easier to prevent fraudulent or abusive claims, clarify patient needs and ensure fair reimbursement.  

The House bill now has 61 co-sponsors, including 20 Republicans and 41 Democrats, and the Senate bill has seven co-sponsors. AAHomecare says the growth reflects continued outreach and education efforts by HME stakeholders on Capitol Hill. The association is urging members to contact lawmakers and encourage them to cosponsor the bills. “Your advocacy is working,” AAHomecare stated in its update. “Congress needs to keep hearing from you.” 

Modular Medical makes Pivot pump commercially available

SAN DIEGO – Modular Medical says its Pivot tubeless insulin patch pump is now commercially available in the U.S., following 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in April, marking its transition to a commercial-stage medical device company. The company expects its full commercial launch to roll out in phases, initially targeting select high-volume endocrinology practices and expanding across multiple metropolitan markets by late 2026. "As only the second fully electronic tubeless pump on the U.S. market, Pivot is positioned to serve a large, underserved ‘almost-pumper' population,” said Jeb Besser, CEO of Modular Medical. “With first shipments beginning this week, we are focused on disciplined execution, as we scale adoption and seek to build long-term value for patients and shareholders." Pivot is designed for insulin-dependent adults with diabetes who remain on multiple daily injections and who may face cost, complexity or usability barriers with traditional pump systems. Modular Medical says about 70% of insulin-dependent adults remain on multiple daily injections, representing a large potential market for the product. The pump has a removable two-part design, 3 mL reservoir, intuitive interface, and flexible, wearable form factor intended to support activities such as showering and sports. No battery recharging is required.

Insulet names Mazelsky to board

ACTON, Mass. – Insulet has appointed Jonathan “Jay” Mazelsky to its board of directors, effective July 1. Mazelsky joins the board as an independent director and currently serves as executive chair of the board of directors of IDEXX Laboratories, a provider of animal health diagnostics and software. “Insulet has built a strong category-leading business based on Omnipod’s unique AID system, clinical evidence and real-world outcomes, and I am truly inspired by the company’s relentless commitment to reduce the burden of diabetes,” said Mazelsky. “I look forward to working with Ashley, the board, and the executive leadership team as Insulet continues to build on its momentum and deliver stakeholder value.” During his 14-year tenure as an executive at IDEXX, Mazelsky served as president and CEO from October 2019 to May 2026, interim president and CEO from June 2019 to October 2019, and executive vice president from August 2012 to June 2019, responsible for the company’s North American Companion Animal Group Commercial Organization, as well as key elements of its innovation portfolio. Before joining IDEXX, Mazelsky held leadership roles at Philips Healthcare, Agilent Technologies and Hewlett Packard. “Jay has a strong track record of translating science into solutions to drive growth and create significant and enduring shareholder value,” said Ashley McEvoy, president and CEO of Insulet. “His background and expertise will be integral as Insulet continues to expand access and further strengthen Omnipod’s leadership position.”

ATC joins NMEDA as MQAP member

ROANOKE, Ind. – ATC Mobility has joined the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) as a Manufacturer Quality Assurance Program member, bringing its wheelchair-accessible trucks and SUVs to the association’s dealer network. “This milestone validates our belief that wheelchair users should not have to compromise capability, luxury, adventure or independence to access a safe mobility vehicle,” said Steve Kitchin, president of ATC Mobility. NMEDA’s MQAP designation for auto mobility manufacturers includes an independent review of motor vehicle safety standard compliance data like crash test results to verify that modified vehicles and mobility equipment are safe and reliable. This NMEDA approval expands ATC’s lineup, which already includes approved full-size pickup truck conversions, to include large SUVs like the Chevrolet Suburban, which completed frontal impact, side impact and rear offset crash evaluations. “The ATC lineup of products opens an entirely new look for our NMEDA dealers to sell and distribute,” said Toby Cummings, CEO of NMEDA.

• Related: NMEDA leads National Mobility Awareness Month.

Soleo Health earns URAC recognition

FRISCO, Texas – Soleo Health has been named a Specialty Pharmacy Pioneer recipient in URAC’s 2025 Leaders in Performance Measurement Awards Program for the second consecutive year. URAC’s Leaders in Performance Measurement program recognizes health care organizations for their commitment to improving quality through performance measurement. Soleo Health was recognized for its outcomes data through SoleMetrics, its proprietary outcomes program. “Earning this recognition again reinforces the strength of our data-driven, outcomes-focused approach to patient care,” said Lisa Siefert, RPh, FASHP, ASQ-CMQ-OE, vice president of clinical services and quality for Soleo Health. “We are committed to utilizing SoleMetrics to continuously advance clinical performance and deliver measurable value for patients and partners.” Soleo Health is an independent national provider of complex specialty pharmacy services and infusion therapy administered in the home or alternate sites of care. The company has 29 pharmacy locations, national nursing coverage and pharmacy licensure in 50 states. It is accredited by URAC for Specialty Pharmacy and by ACHC for Specialty Pharmacy, with a Distinction in Rare Diseases and Orphan Drugs, Ambulatory Infusion Centers, Home Infusion Therapy and Infusion Pharmacy. Soleo also operates more than 30 infusion suites and centers throughout the U.S.

• Related: Soleo Health expands mid-Atlantic footprint with acquisition of Realo.