In brief: Competitive bidding campaign, Sanford Health Equip acquisition, VGM chief medical officer
By HME News Staff
Updated 10:00 AM CDT, Fri May 29, 2026
WASHINGTON – A group of national patient advocacy organizations has launched “The High Cost of Low Bids,” a campaign urging policymakers to stop the inclusion of urological and ostomy supplies in Medicare’s competitive bidding program.
The campaign responds to a decision by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to include these supplies in the CBP, warning that applying a lowest-bid purchasing model to clinically complex, highly individualized products could reduce access to necessary products and increase both avoidable complications and long-term health care costs.
“Patients need the right fit – not the lowest bid,” said Sara Struwe, president & CEO of the Spina Bifida Association. “For individuals living with complex medical conditions like Spina Bifida, access to the correct urological and ostomy supplies is essential to maintaining health, dignity and independence. Moving forward without clear evidence of patient safety puts vulnerable populations at unnecessary risk.”
Call to action: Clinical and patient access review needed
The group, which includes national and regional patient, provider and advocacy organizations and is funded by BD, Coloplast, Convatec and Hollister, urges Congress and the administration to:
- Delay the implementation of competitive bidding for urological and ostomy supplies; and
- Require CMS to demonstrate that patients will maintain timely access to the full range of medically necessary products, supplier choice, product quality, and clinician-directed care.
The group recommends visiting the campaign’s website to urge Congress to protect patient access by requiring a formal clinical and patient access review before including urological and ostomy supplies in competitive bidding.
Group predicts short-term savings will be quickly outweighed
Currently, Medicare contracts with hundreds of ostomy and urological product suppliers nationwide, and CMS has estimated that expanding competitive bidding could result in fewer than 10 national contract suppliers.
The group warns this consolidation could reduce product choice, make it harder for patients to obtain the specific supplies they need and risk eliminating local suppliers, who play a critical role in ensuring timely delivery of medically necessary supplies for patients – especially those living in rural areas.
“Selecting the appropriate ostomy or urological supply requires careful clinical assessment and consideration of each patient’s lived experience,” Struwe said. “Limiting access to the full range of products can have serious health consequences including leakage, skin breakdown, infection, or an avoidable emergency room visit. In many cases, the resulting complications can quickly outweigh any short-term savings gained by restricting access to appropriate supplies.”
A pattern of not including urological and ostomy supplies
Historically, Congress has excluded urological and ostomy supplies from competitive bidding: The 2003 Medicare Modernization Act deliberately removed these products due to their complexity, highly individualized usage and potential for patient infection.
The group says CMS is now moving to include these products in competitive bidding, despite longstanding concerns and limited evidence that patient safety, product access and continuity of care will be protected.
- For a full list of the organizations that make up the group, go here.
- Related reading: CMS moves forward with competitive bidding.
VGM Group adds chief medical officer to shape clinical strategy
WATERLOO, Iowa – VGM Group has named M. Kris Srinivasan, MD, MBA, MHSE, as chief medical officer to provide clinical leadership across the company’s non-acute health care businesses.
VGM says Srinivasan will work to advance governance, medical policy oversight and evidence-based standards that support the providers and organizations that the company serves.
“Kris brings a clinician’s perspective and an entrepreneurial mindset that will strengthen how we support members, partners and patients across the health care continuum,” said Jeremy Stolz, CEO of VGM Group. “In this new role, he will help guide clinical quality as we expand programs, evaluate new opportunities, and continue delivering solutions that make care more connected.”
For the last 15 years, Srinivasan has focused on designing, developing and executing commercial optimization strategies for various health care organizations. He previously served on the AAHomecare board.
VGM says Srinivasan will also advise the company on designing new service lines and technologies that help providers care for their patients.
“I’ve spent my career focused on expanding access, improving outcomes and building programs that make high-quality care more achievable for patients and care teams,” Srinivasan said. “I’m excited to join VGM Group and help shape clinical strategy across the organization.”
- Related: Srinivasan participated in a panel discussion at Medtrade on strategic shifts in the HME industry.
CMS will not take action on Elevance Health at this time
WASHINGTON – The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has notified Elevance Health that it will not impose intermediate sanctions on the insurer at this time. The agency says it is satisfied that Elevance has:
- Completed the initial submission in its established electronic systems (Risk Adjustment Processing System, the Encounter Data Processing System and the Risk Adjustment Overpayment Reporting module); and
- Remitted a wire transfer of the total overpayment amount based on all auditable estimates related to the matter.
CMS reminded Elevance that it has additional steps to take by June 30, 2026, to avoid intermediate sanctions effective July 1, 2026. Further, CMS says incomplete tasks and the following remaining tasks must be completed by July 31, 2026, to avoid intermediate sanctions effective Aug. 1, 2026:
- Resolving any issues raised during CMS technical assistance on RAOR submissions and any submission of additional overpayment amounts identified as a result of that technical assistance, including the upload to HPMS CAM of an updated spreadsheet as described in Appendix B: Remit the total overpayment;
- Resolving all rejections, errors, and edits identified by CMS on standard RAPS and EDPS reports; and
- Submitting Attestation 2.
Earlier this year, CMS said it would suspend Elevance’s ability to enroll people in its Medicare Advantage plans if the insurer didn’t comply with risk adjustment data submission requirements.
Sanford Health Equip buys Great Plains Restorative Services
BISMARK, N.D. – Sanford Health Equip has acquired Great Plains Restorative Services, a home medical equipment (HME) provider serving Bismarck, Dickinson and surrounding rural communities, in a move that expands its footprint into western North Dakota.
As a result of the deal, patients in the area will have access to expanded resources, a broader product offering and a regional care network, Sanford Health Equip says.
“Great Plains has built strong relationships and a reputation for compassionate care in the communities they serve,” said Todd Schaffer, M.D., president and CEO, Sanford Bismarck. “We are honored to build on that legacy and ensure patients continue to receive the support they need close to home.”
Sanford Health Equip has about 30 locations across North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota and Iowa, providing a wide range of home health care accessories and HME, including mobility aids, respiratory and CPAP equipment, enteral nutrition supplies, orthotics and prosthetics and daily living aids.
Other deal details:
- Patients currently receiving services through Great Plains Restorative Services will transition to Sanford Health Equip and patients will be contacted directly with information about next steps and any changes to services.
- Some services previously offered by Great Plains – including home and vehicle modifications – will not continue under Sanford Health Equip.
- Sanford Health Equip will not acquire Great Plains’ physical locations.
Sanford Health Equip is the result of a merger between Sanford Health Healthcare Accessories and Sanford Health Home Medical Equipment.
“This addition strengthens our ability to serve rural communities by improving access to essential equipment and services,” said Doug Okland, vice president of health services operations, Sanford Health. “We are committed to making this transition as seamless as possible while continuing to prioritize high-quality, patient-centered care.”
CMS finalizes changes to dispute resolution process
WASHINGTON – The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has published a final rule that it says makes the Federal Independent Dispute Resolution (IDR) process more efficient and transparent, while saving money for millions of Americans. Since launching in April 2022, CMA says the Federal IDR process has received more than 5 million disputes – far exceeding expectations and creating delays and unnecessary costs. The agency says the rule addresses those bottlenecks by reducing ineligible disputes and lowering costs for providers and payers. “Americans should never be blindsided by unexpected medical bills,” said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “This rule cuts through bureaucratic delays, strengthens transparency between payers and providers, while continuing to protect patients from unnecessary financial stress. We are bringing greater clarity, accountability, and common sense to a healthcare system that too often leaves families confused and frustrated.” As finalized:
- The rule drops the administrative fee from $115 to $15 per party per dispute – a reduction of more than 85%.
- The rule also allows more flexibility for claims to be resolved together in one batched dispute, reducing costs while simultaneously speeding up decisions.
- The rule lays the groundwork for a new IDR Gateway – a centralized platform to manage disputes – that will launch in phases beginning in 2026
To review the final rule, visit: https://www.cms.gov/files/document/federal-independent-dispute-resolution-operations-cms-9897-f.pdf.
To review the CMS fact sheet, visit: https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/federal-independent-dispute-resolution-operations-final-rule.
AAHomecare announces new leadership lineup
WASHINGTON – AAHomecare’s membership has approved the association’s new leadership lineup, including Ryan Bullock, chief strategy officer at Aeroflow Health in Asheville, N.C., as chairman of the board. Other officers approved include:
- Vice chairman: David Siegel, CEO, Nationwide Medical, Calabasas, Calif.
- Secretary: John Cassar, CEO, SuperCare Health, Downey, Calif.
Josh Marx, CEO of Medical Service Company and former chairman, will remain on the Executive Committee as immediate past chair.
AAHomecare members also elected five individuals to at-large board seats for three-year terms (2026-29):
- Nick Bush, vice president of sales, Direct Supply, Milwaukee, Wis.
- Casey Hoyt, CEO, Viemed, Lafayette, La.
- Morten Hansen, vice president, Direct, Comfort Medical Supply, Prairie, Minn.
- Jim Nygren, president, VGM Insurance, Waterloo, Iowa
- Gary Sheehan, general manager, senior vice president of Diabetes, AdaptHealth, Sandwich, Mass.
“A strong leadership is more important than ever,” said Tom Ryan, president & CEO of AAHomecare. “This year’s slate of officers brings a strong combination of experience, insight, passion, and commitment to the HME industry. I’m confident they will help us maintain momentum on critical priorities, from Federal advocacy efforts to payer engagement, and help us continue to elevate the role of HME.”
The full list of board leaders for AAHomecare can be found here.
CVS challenges FAIR Rx Act
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Soon after Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee signed into law the FAIR Rx Act, which prohibits pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) from owning or operating pharmacies, CVS filed a challenge, according to news reports. The National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) noted that CVS, Express Scripts, the Pharmaceutical Care Management Association (PCMA) and others have also filed a lawsuit challenging a similar law passed in Arkansas. The NCPA joined the Arkansas Pharmacists Association in filing a brief in support of Arkansas. CVS is challenging the law in Tennessee on constitutional grounds.
Amazon names new leader for Amazon Health Services
BELLEVUE, Wash. – Amazon has announced that Dr. Roy Schoenberg will join the company as the new leader of Amazon Health Services on July 1. The physician and entrepreneur co-founded Amwell in 2006 and spent nearly two decades as its CEO, building it from a startup into a leading telehealth platform partnering with the nation’s largest health systems, national payers and public health agencies. “But what excites me most about Roy isn't his resume—it's his conviction,” said Neil Lindsay, senior vice president of Amazon Health Services, who will be leaving the company to pursue personal projects and advisory roles. “He believes, as I do, that healthcare should be fundamentally easier for people. He believes technology and clinical excellence aren't in tension—one helps the other. And he brings the rare combination of clinical credibility, technological vision, and operational experience needed to take what we've built, to improve on it, and to scale it into something that changes how hundreds of millions of people experience health care.” Lindsay says he will work closely with Schoenberg over the coming months to ensure a seamless transition. To read more on the leadership change, go here.
Lifeway Mobility opens second location in Virginia
HARTFORD, Conn. – Lifeway Mobility has opened a new location in Richmond, Va., its second location in the state. The location will allow the company to better serve residents throughout the greater Richmond area and across central and eastern Virginia. “We’re excited to expand our coverage in the Commonwealth of Virginia and bring Lifeway Mobility’s personalized approach to accessibility solutions throughout the region,” said Nick Krassy, Lifeway Mobility regional vice president. “Opening in this area allows us to serve more families with solutions that help improve their safety, independence, and quality of life at home. Our local team looks forward to supporting the greater Richmond community and enhancing mobility for residents.” Lifeway Mobility will offer stair lifts, wheelchair ramps and platform lifts, bath safety solutions and transfer aids. The company now has more than 35 locations nationwide.
- Related: Lifeway debuts Idaho location.
NSM, LUCI partner to increase access to driver assistance platform
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – National Seating & Mobility (NSM) is now a preferred national partner for LUCI. NSM will play a key role in introducing LUCI’s technology to a broader range of clinics and power wheelchair riders across the United States and Canada through internal and external clinical education, technical trainings and awareness campaigns. “LUCI offers power wheelchair riders greater independence, confidence and safety in a world that’s not always designed for people who rely on mobility equipment,” said Crispin Teufel, CEO of NSM. “We’re proud to be LUCI’s Preferred National Partner in the complex rehabilitation technology (CRT) industry and excited to expand access to this life-changing technology through our more than 180 locations.” NSM has a network of more than 180 locations across the U.S. and Canada. LUCI offers an advanced driver assistance platform for power wheelchair riders using sensor‑fusion technology – including radar, cameras and ultrasonics – to enhance intelligent safety and performance. “At LUCI, our mission has always been to rethink what’s possible for people who rely on power mobility,” said Barry Dean, CEO and co-founder of LUCI. “Expanding our partnership with NSM helps us bring safer, smarter mobility to more people. Their nationwide expertise and deep commitment to the people they serve means more wheelchair users will have access to the safety, confidence and independence they deserve.”
US Rehab, Permobil continue ‘strong partnership’
WATERLOO, Iowa – U.S. Rehab, a division of VGM & Associates, has renewed its long-standing partnership with Permobil to expand product choice and strengthen the range of solutions available to members. The partnership spans Permobil’s full product portfolio, including power and manual mobility, seating and positioning solutions, power assist and PDG Mobility products. “VGM is excited to continue our strong partnership with Permobil as we work together to deliver premium complex rehab technology solutions to our membership,” states Tyler Mahncke, senior vice president of membership, VGM & Associates. “For U.S. Rehab members, this renewed collaboration delivers real, day-to-day value: streamlined access to industry-leading CRT products and solutions, greater flexibility in matching equipment to individual needs, and support to meet a broader range of mobility needs across diverse patient populations.” U.S. Rehab’s membership network encompasses more than 1,300 rehab locations. The renewed partnership with Permobil allows both companies to continue their support of complex rehab technology (CRT) providers, they say. “Permobil is proud to continue our partnership with VGM and U.S. Rehab as we work collectively to advance complex rehab technology across the industry,” adds Cody Verrett, vice president of sales, Permobil Americas. “This agreement reflects our shared commitment to innovation, clinical outcomes, and ensuring providers have access to the solutions they need to best serve individuals with complex mobility needs.”
BleepSleep launches new Shopify-powered storefront
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – BleepSleep has launched a redesigned, direct-to-consumer Shopify store at bleepsleep.com for its mask-less, strap-free CPAP solutions, the DreamPort and Eclipse. "Too many CPAP users abandon therapy not because therapy doesn't work - but because the mask makes it unbearable,” said Stuart Heatherington, founder and CEO. “DreamPort and Eclipse were designed from the ground up to solve that. No headgear. No straps. No leaks. Just therapy that patients can actually stay committed to, night after night.” The company says the newly launched Shopify-powered storefront at bleepsleep.com features intuitive product discovery, detailed fitting guides, easy reorder of consumables such as Halos adhesive interfaces, and direct access to insurance and Medicare reimbursement information. It says the new store also features a dedicated insurance, DME & VA portal, allowing qualifying patients to access products through Medicare, Medicaid and most major private insurers, lowering the cost barrier for CPAP users who have been priced out of comfortable alternatives.
- Related: Bleep names technology expert to board.
LUX Infusion promotes Dan Teich as it targets 50 locations nationwide
PLANTATION, Fla. – LUX Infusion, which provides both home and ambulatory center services, has promoted Dan Teich to senior vice president, Market Access. In this expanded role, he will be responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive strategy that aligns the company's market access partnerships across pharmaceutical manufacturers, specialty distributors, group purchasing organizations and health plan payers with LUX Infusion's mission to expand patient access to high-quality, accessible infusion care. "Dan has been an exceptional leader in shaping our trade relationships, and this promotion reflects both his contributions and our confidence in his vision," said Ted Kramm, CEO of LUX Infusion. "By unifying trade relations and managed care under his leadership, we are creating a more integrated approach to how we work with our partners, positioning LUX Infusion to deliver greater value across the entire specialty infusion ecosystem." Teich brings more than 15 years of expertise in pharmacy operations, supply chain management, contract negotiation, and executive leadership across the specialty infusion, health system, and retail pharmacy sectors. Prior to joining LUX Infusion, he served as vice president of Health Systems Manufacturer Relations at Cencora (formerly AmerisourceBergen), where he led negotiations of specialty and biosimilar GPO contracts for health systems. LUX Infusion says this new leadership structure reflects its broader commitment to building a fully integrated infusion services platform that leverages strong partner relationships to drive superior clinical outcomes, operational efficiency, and expanded patient access as the company continues its growth toward more than 50 infusion locations nationwide.
Pure Infusion makes official debut
SANDY, Utah – Pure Infusion has officially launched its new brand name, formed through the merger of AleraCare and Pure Healthcare. “At Pure Infusion, we are redefining what patients and providers should expect from infusion care,” said Brady Porter, chief commercial officer. “Our new, unified brand reinforces this commitment and going forward we are deeply focused on further enhancing the core attributes both legacy organizations excelled at: providing exceptional clinical care, seamless coordination, and operating with a deeply human approach to every interaction.” Pure Infusion encompasses more than 75 locations across 14 states, serving more than 5,000 patients each month. The company says its growing national footprint enables greater access to high-quality infusion care while maintaining a localized, patient-first approach—helping providers and patients alike benefit from more convenient, cost-effective treatment options closer to home.
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