In brief: Feenstra backs HME, McKesson sells stake, AAH honors Bill Fredericks
By HME News Staff
Updated 1:09 PM CDT, Fri May 1, 2026
WATERLOO, Iowa – VGM Group applauds Rep. Randy Feenstra, R-Iowa, for recognizing the dedication and integrity of quality home medical equipment (HME) providers during a recent congressional hearing.
During the hearing on fraud, waste and abuse held by the Ways & Means Committee in the House of Representatives, Feenstra stated:
“I worry about how we can protect the providers who have long operated in good faith, upholding the highest levels of integrity, from losing their local footprints in our communities.”
The hearing comes as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) intensifies its focus on combating fraud, waste and abuse. The agency has positioned its new round of competitive bidding and a new moratorium on Medicare supplier numbers as ways to tackle the problem.
VGM says it continues to partner with CMS to root out bad actors, but it remains committed to elevating the work of reputable, mission-driven providers.
“The services and support provided by DMEPOS suppliers not only enhance patient outcomes and strengthen community health but do so in a cost-effective manner that delivers meaningful savings to the healthcare system,” the company states.
AAHomecare honors Bill Fredericks for legislative advocacy
WASHINGTON – AAHomecare has named Bill Fredericks, president and CEO of AllCare Medical Supply, as the recipient of the 2026 Mal Mixon Legislative Award.
Established in 2012, the award honors AAHomecare members who have made exceptional contributions to advancing the home care community’s legislative priorities and who, through their leadership, have inspired others to champion stronger federal policy for the home medical equipment industry.
“Bill’s recognition that federal decisions shape state reimbursement, regulatory policy, and ultimately the sustainability of providers of every size is what drove him to become a powerful voice for demonstrating the direct link between advocacy on Capitol Hill and the effects on state reimbursement,” notes Tom Ryan, president of AAHomecare. “He has amplified his impact by inspiring others to join him in his advocacy initiatives.”
Fredericks began his volunteer leadership in the HME industry through the Home Medical Equipment and Services Association of New England (HOMES), where he served as chairman of the board and Massachusetts State Chair. At AAHomecare, he is a member of the State Leaders Council, the Medical Supplies Council and the Enteral Work Group, as well as co-chair of the Incontinence Work Group.
Through this work, AAHomecare says Fredericks has helped elevate national conversations around patient access, responsible reimbursement, and the essential role HME plays in supporting people’s ability to remain healthy at home.
Fredericks will be recognized at the AAHomecare Washington Legislative Conference on the evening of May 13 at the Capitol Hill Club in Washington, D.C.
Providers expect pick up in sleep patient volume
NEW YORK – Providers saw slower sleep patient volume in the last 12 months but expect improved growth in the next 12 months, according to the 1Q26 HME Sleep and Oxygen Survey from Needham.
Other sleep-related findings from the survey:
- Resmed looks likely to lose flow generator market share to React Health and modest mask market share to React Health and Fisher & Paykel Healthcare in the next 12 months.
- Respondents expect to shift a moderate portion of their flow generator purchases to Philips Respironics if and when they re-enter the market in the U.S.
- Resmed had the highest rated flow generators and masks (all categories).
- Both flow generator and mask pricing both improved from the prior survey.
- For oxygen, respondents saw improved patient volume in the last 12 months and expect improved growth in the next 12 months.
Other oxygen-related findings:
- Respondents saw improved portable oxygen concentrator (POC) volume growth in the last 12 months and expect improved growth in the next 12 months.
- Rhythm Healthcare had the highest rated POCs, followed by Inogen.
- Inogen looks likely to lose modest POC share in the next 12 months.
- The survey, conducted with HME News, was based on responses from 46 home medical equipment (HME) providers.
Related: Sleep and oxygen therapy trends show mixed outlook for growth, according to the 3Q25 survey.
McKesson sells stake in Medical-Surgical Solutions
IRVING, Texas – McKesson has taken another step toward separating its Medical-Surgical Solutions (MMS) business by selling a minority interest to funds managed by Apollo.
Apollo Funds will invest $1.25 billion in convertible preferred equity of MMS to acquire an approximately 13% minority interest, valuing the business at approximately $13 billion.
“This transaction marks a key milestone in McKesson’s planned separation of MMS,” said Brian Tyler, CEO of McKesson. “We are pleased to welcome Apollo as an important strategic and financial partner. Apollo’s experience in supporting complex carve-out and public market transactions will be additive as we position MMS for success, while maintaining McKesson’s financial and strategic flexibility. We look forward to working together to execute the separation in a manner that maximizes shareholder value, and establishing a well-capitalized, world-class medical surgical supply and solutions company.”
McKesson will retain operating control and majority ownership of MMS. It will consolidate the results for financial reporting.
As of Dec. 31, 2025, Apollo had approximately $938 billion of assets under management.
“MMS is a leading health care platform with a talented team and strong market position, playing a key role in health care supply chain resiliency across non-acute care settings,” said Apollo Partner Maxwell David and Managing Director Jeff Armstrong. “We believe the business is well positioned for continued growth, and that Apollo’s Hybrid platform enables us to provide flexible, scaled capital to support the next phase of development as MMS prepares to operate as a standalone company.”
The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.
McKesson on Jan. 1 marked a major milestone in separating MMS by completing key transition service agreements.
Option Care reports ‘mixed’ Q1
BANNOCKBURN, Ill. – Option Care Health reported net revenue of $1.350 billion for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026, an increase of 1.3% over the same quarter in 2025.
The company also reported:
- GAAP Net income of $45.3 million, down 3.0%
- GAAP diluted earnings per share of $0.29, up 3.6%
- Adjusted EBITDA of $104.8 million, down 6.3%
- Adjusted diluted earnings per share of $0.40, flat to the first quarter of 2025
- Cash used in operating activities of $12.1 million
- Repurchased $17.5 million of stock in the quarter
- Revolving credit facility expanded from $400 million to $850 million
“The first quarter reflected a mixed performance for our business, and we are not satisfied with our revenue growth momentum,” said John Rademacher, president & CEO. “Our team continues to provide high‑quality care for patients and deepen relationships with key stakeholders and our foundation remains strong. We are an execution-driven organization and are taking decisive actions to re-accelerate our growth trajectory and position us for greater long‑term value creation.”
Updated full year 2026 financial guidance
- Net revenue of $5.675 billion to $5.775 billion
- Adjusted diluted earnings per share of $1.82 to $1.92
- Adjusted EBITDA of $480 million to $505 million
- Cash provided by operating activities of at least $320 million
NHIA conference draws record crowd, honors leading professionals
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – The recent 2026 National Home Infusion Association Annual Conference drew record attendance with more than 1,700 industry professionals attending and more than 150 product and service suppliers – including 40 first timers – exhibiting. At the event, the association also presented several awards, including:
- The Changemaker Award to Crystal Killian, a recognized patient advocate in the parenteral nutrition community who joined NHIA members on Capitol Hill to advocate for the Preserving Patient Access to Home Infusion Act. “Thank you to the industry for all the work you do to give many of us a chance to live our best lives,” she said.
- The NHIA Innovation Award, which highlights the role ground-breaking products and services play in improving home infusion patient care and/or advancing operations, to Mandolin, which replaces fragmented EMR workflows with AI agents that execute the end-to-end lifecycle from referral to first dose.
- The Gene Graves Lifetime Achievement Award to Melissa Leone, RN, BSN, FNHIA, for her 35-plus year career in home infusion.
- The Lynn Giglione Women in Leadership Award presented to Barbara Petroff, MS, RPh, BCSCP, CAC, CSPP, IgCP, FNHIA, FASHP.
- The NHIF Outstanding Abstract Achievement Award to Lisa Kinder, RD, CNSC, FNHIA, from Optum Infusion Pharmacy for her poster entitled “Patient Safety During Critical IV Solution Shortage: A Home Infusion Provider’s Collaborative Strategy.”
“Ultimately, the industry is stronger because of the knowledge sharing, connections made, and challenges addressed throughout the week,” the association stated. “NHIA is constantly amazed at the passion attendees bring to the event that makes it what it is.”
Gov’t seizes more than $2M from wound care clinic
LOS ANGELES – A federal court has granted a request from the United States to seize more than $2 million from a Pasadena-based advanced wound care clinic accused of defrauding Medicare for reimbursements for skin graft substitutes and skin grafts that were never performed on patients, the Justice Department announced April 28. U.S. Magistrate Judge Alicia G. Rosenberg authorized the government’s request to seize up to approximately $2,039,792 from a bank account linked to Expert Wound Care PC. According to an affidavit filed with a federal seizure warrant, from September 2025 to April 2026, Expert Wound Care allegedly submitted more than $46.6 million in claims to Medicare for skin substitute products and wound care services purportedly provided to 78 beneficiaries. Medicare approved payments of approximately $34,031,382 on these claims, which included skin substitutes and skin grafts, as well as skin application procedures. According to the affidavit, the clinic increased its Medicare billing from $4,975 in July 2025 to approximately $33 million in December 2025. Expert Wound Care averaged approximately $37,449 in allowed amount per claim for substitute skin grafts from July 2025 to March 2026, more than double the national average. The clinic’s percentage of total beneficiaries receiving substitute skin grafts of 38.5%, more than six times the national average of 6%. Its percentage of total claims for substitute skin grafts was 63%, approximately nine times the national average. Finally, Expert Wound Care’s percentage of total allowed amount for substitute skin grafts was 99.9%, more than double the national average. Homeland Security Investigations and the United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General are investigating this matter.
Motion names new people and culture leader
TORONTO – Motion, formerly Motion Specialties, has named Amanda Last as director – people and culture. She most recently served as vice president, people and culture, for the Thrifty’s family of brands. “What stood out most to us is Amanda’s approach,” said Sue Gilpin, CEO, Motion. “She leads with empathy and clarity, and has a deep belief in building strong, connected teams. She is passionate about developing leaders, creating inclusive environments, and ensuring HR is a true partner to the business.” In her role at Thrifty’s, Last supported a national retail organization with more than 1,800 employees, partnering closely with senior leadership to strengthen culture, develop talent and align people strategy with business performance. Motion has served communities in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario and Saskatchewan for more than 40 years.
Motion expands access to Matia Mobility’s standing mobility platform
TORONTO – Motion has a new partnership with Matia Mobility, a Salt Lake City-based company that makes the Tek RMD, an electric lift and standing mobility platform. Through the partnership, Motion will bring the Tek RMD to clients across Canada, combining its clinical expertise and national presence with Matia Mobility’s innovative engineering, the company says. “We are incredibly excited to partner with Matia Mobility to introduce this transformative technology to the Canadian wheelchair users,” said Sue Gilpin, CEO of Motion. “The ability for individuals to independently sit, stand, and move through their environments at eye level is a powerful advancement in mobility. This new partnership reflects our commitment to delivering innovative solutions that enhance independence, dignity, and quality of life for Canadians.” The Tek RMD allows wheelchair users to independently and safely transition from sitting to standing and move through their environment at eye level. The platform, Motion says, is known for its small footprint, allowing users to access tight spaces and reach items that would otherwise be out of range.
Medline signs agreement with REHAB Hospital of the Pacific
NORTHFIELD, Ill. – Medline has signed a new Prime Vendor agreement with REHAB Hospital of the Pacific, an acute inpatient facility based in Honolulu that provides specialized rehab care to patients across the Hawaii Islands and Pacific Islands regions. With this agreement, REHAB will have access to Medline’s portfolio of medical-surgical products, including Medline-manufactured therapy and rehabilitation products, exam gloves and personal protection equipment, as well as the company’s distribution capabilities to support efficient ordering and reliable delivery of medical supplies. “Providing specialized, high-quality rehabilitation care to our community requires a dependable supply chain, especially here in Hawaii,” said Stephanie Nadolny, president and CEO of REHAB. “Partnering with Medline ensures our clinical teams have seamless, reliable access to the essential supplies they need, allowing us to focus entirely on what matters most: helping individuals recover from serious injury or illness and rebuild their lives.” In March, Medline announced plans to expands its national network of 45 distribution centers across the U.S. by constructing a new 1.2 million-square-foot distribution center in Midlothian, Texas.
NHIA adds Fresenius Kabi to advisory council to address home infusion issues
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – The National Home Infusion Association has announced that Fresenius Kabi has joined its Future of Infusion Advisory Council (FIAC), a strategic group comprising manufacturers and service companies that support home and alternative site infusion professionals. The group also works with the association’s staff and board of directors to address critical issues, challenges and opportunities. “Fresenius Kabi is committed to supporting patients who rely on infusion therapies, and joining NHIA’s Future of Infusion Advisory Council provides an important forum to advance this work,” said Pete Allen, senior vice president, IV Therapy and Nutrition, Fresenius Kabi USA. “We are focused on delivering high-quality parenteral nutrition and IV solutions and enhancing U.S. supply reliability through continued investment in manufacturing. We look forward to further advancing infusion care across the country.” Fresenius Kabi, a part of Fresenius, is a provider of essential medicines and medical technologies for infusion, transfusion and clinical nutrition. In the U.S., the company offers a broad portfolio of essential, high-quality medicines and operates an expanding network of state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities.
Tandem’s AID cleared for pregnancies complicated by Type 1 diabetes mellitus
AN DIEGO – Tandem Diabetes Care has announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared Control-IQ+ automated insulin delivery (AID) technology for use in pregnancy complicated by Type 1 diabetes mellitus. Control-IQ+ powers both insulin delivery systems from Tandem – the t:slim X2 and Tandem Mobi, the first and only commercially available AID systems cleared for use during pregnancy in the United States. “Glycemic goals are tighter during pregnancy,” said Dr. Jordan Pinsker, chief medical officer at Tandem Diabetes Care. “The higher time in the pregnancy-specific glucose range seen with Control-IQ can help improve pregnancy outcomes.” This expanded label indication for use in Type 1 diabetes during pregnancy is based on results from the CIRCUIT trial published in Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) in October 2025. Participants in this multi-center, randomized controlled trial were assigned to use a t:slim X2 insulin pump with Control-IQ technology or to continue their multiple daily insulin injections or insulin pump with continuous glucose monitoring. The Control-IQ group experienced 12.6% more time in the pregnancy glucose target range 63-140 mg/dL, approximately three hours more per day, compared to those using their standard therapy, from 16 weeks’ gestation to the end of pregnancy. Maternal and neonatal outcomes were similar in both groups overall but favored those using Control-IQ.
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