In brief: MA enrollment update, Medline sales jump, Resmed distribution hub
By HME News Staff
Updated 9:37 AM CST, Fri February 27, 2026
WASHINGTON – Total Medicare Advantage enrollment continued to increase in 2026, but at a slower rate of growth than in previous years, according to a KFF analysis of enrollment data provided by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on Feb. 13.
Just more than 35 million people are enrolled in Medicare Advantage as of Feb. 1, 2026, an increase of 1.1 million people since February 2025, representing 3% growth year over year. In 2025, enrollment increased 4%, which was a slower rate of growth than any year between 2007 and 2024, a period when enrollment increased, on average, 9% a year.
According to KFF:
The increase in 2026 was largely driven by increased enrollment in SNPs. Decisions made by insurers to expand SNP offerings have translated into enrollment growth in that segment. Enrollment in individual plans increased, but more slowly than in any year between 2007 and 2025. Changes in enrollment varied across the private insurers that sponsor Medicare Advantage plans, with some plans experiencing more rapid growth, while others saw a drop in enrollment.
In 2026, the average Medicare beneficiary can choose from among 32 Medicare Advantage plans with prescription drug coverage, most of which have no premium (other than the standard Part B premium), and the vast majority offer dental, vision and hearing benefits, in addition to reduced cost sharing, compared to traditional Medicare, KFF says.
Medline boasts $2.4B in new customer signings in 2025
NORTHFIELD, Ill. – Medline reported net sales of $7.8 billion for the fourth quarter of 2025, a 14.8% increase compared to the same period in 2024, and $28.4 billion for full-year 2025, an 11.5% increase compared to 2024.
Fourth quarter highlights
- Net income was $180 million, a 37.7% decrease, driven by higher costs of goods sold due to tariffs and higher operating costs, including investments in head count and costs related to the company’s recent initial public offering (IPO).
- Adjusted EBITA was relatively flat at $805 million.
Full-year highlights
- Net income of $1.2 billion, a decrease of 3.6%
- Adjusted EBITDA of $3.5 billion, an increase of 3.2%
“We delivered strong fourth quarter results, concluding a successful 2025 with $2.4 billion in total new customer signings,” said Jim Boyle, CEO. “This performance reflects the confidence customers place in our value, service and reliability, and our unique capability to support health systems across the entire continuum of care.”
CEO Jim Boyle on recent IPO
“The quarter also marked a major milestone with the completion of our successful initial public offering. Becoming a public company amplifies our voice and strengthens our foundation by enabling continued investments to drive growth and deliver greater value to customers. We expect our momentum to continue, and with our scale, broad product portfolio, and unmatched distribution footprint, we believe we are well positioned for sustainable long‑term growth.”
Future guidance
For full year 2026, Medline expects organic sales growth of 8% to 9% and adjusted EBITDA of $3.5 to $3.6 billion.
Complex rehab event releases full schedule, speaker line up
LOS ANGELES – The Abilities International Accessibility Conference has released the full schedule and speaker line up for its inaugural event at the Long Beach Convention Center March 26-27. The event, designed specifically for complex rehab technology (CRT) professionals, will offer the opportunity to earn up to 10 hours of IACET-approved continuing education units (CEUs) through three tracks:
- Adapted living
- Business optimization
- Improve patient outcomes
Attendees will learn from 30 industry experts through plenary sessions, workshops and scientific paper platforms and papers, while also benefiting from networking, collaboration and business coaching. Speakers will include:
- Rachel Hibbs of the University of Pittsburgh, who focuses on wheelchair skills and programming;
- Wayne Grau of NCART;
- Dan Fedor of U.S. Rehab; and
- Jean Minkel, PT and ATP. Go here for a full list of sessions and speakers.
Go here for a full schedule of sessions and speaker line up.
Co-located alongside the Abilities Expo, the Abilities International Accessibility Conference is scheduled for Thursday and Friday before the main doors open to the public for the Expo. As an added benefit, attendees may enjoy free admission to the Expo throughout the weekend. Two more Abilities International Accessibility Conferences will take place in 2026: New York (April 30 – May 1) and Chicago (June 11-12).
Bodlund moves to president and CEO at Ascensia
PARSIPPANY, N.J. – Ascensia Diabetes Care has appointed Peter Bodlun as president and CEO, effective April 1. Bodlund, who most recently served as Ascensia’s COO, succeeds Koichiro Sato, who will continue as COO of parent company PHC Group and head of PHC Group’s Diabetes Management business. The leadership transition reflects Ascensia’s sustained performance and continued focus on long-term growth, executional excellence, and sustained value creation, the company says. “Ascensia is well positioned for continued success as it enters its next chapter,” said Sato. “Peter brings proven strategic and operational leadership experience, with a clear focus on results, and I am confident he will lead Ascensia effectively as president and chief executive officer.” Ascensia is a core business within PHC Group’s global portfolio of health care technology companies.
Permobil appoints Puusepp as chair of board
LEBANON, Tenn. – Tomas Puusepp has been appointed chair of Permobil’s board of directors. Puusepp, who has served on Permobil’s board for almost 10 years, will assume the role in June, succeeding Martin Lundstedt, who has chaired the board since 2013. “I am both pleased and honored to assume the role of chair of the board at Permobil,” said Puusepp. “During my 10 years on the board, I’ve contributed to shaping the direction of this Swedish industrial icon, and I look forward to continuing that work together with the board and management. I would also like to extend, on behalf of the entire board, our sincere thanks to Martin Lundstedt for his 13 years of dedicated leadership and his significant contributions to establishing Permobil as a world leader in advanced assistive mobility.” Puusepp has more than 40 years of experience in international medical technology, including a long tenure at Elekta AB, where he began in 1988 and later served as president and CEO from 2005–2014 and 2015–2016.
NCART updates: Prior authorization change, research opportunity
WASHINGTON – The National Coalition for Assistive & Rehab Technology (NCART) has notified providers in Illinois of a change in state law PA 104-0324 that affects prior approvals for wheelchair repairs. Effective March 1, 2026, the threshold amount required for prior approval of wheelchair repairs has changed to $1,500 from $750. The association says providers may not divide wheelchair repairs into separate claims for the purpose of staying under the $1,500 threshold. “(The state) will be monitoring DME billing claims for compliance on this issue,” NCART stated in an email bulletin. Questions regarding fee-for-service customer repair approvals may be directed at a DME billing consultant within the Bureau of Professional and Ancillary Services at 1-877-782-5565 option 3, then option 2. Questions regarding managed care organization (MCO) customer repair approvals may be directed to the applicable MCO.
NCART says Becky Breaux, PhD, OTR/L, ATP of Dynamic Seating, in partnership with Michelle L. Lange, OTR/L, ATP/SMS, and professional research assistant Sarah Walker, MS, seek input from people with cerebral palsy and related conditions and their caregivers. The purpose of their research, which is supported by a National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research Grant (NIDILRR number 90SFGE0077), is to better understand how and why people use Dynamic Seating on their mobility devices and what’s the impact. The deadline to complete the online survey supporting this research is March 15, 2026. Everyone who completes the survey will be entered into a $50 gift card raffle. Access the survey here.
Aeroflow’s Bennett named Top Women Leader by tech publication
ASHVILLE, N.C. – Aeroflow Health President Lauren Bennett was named to the list of Top 50 Women Leaders in Healthcare Technology of 2025 by The Healthcare Technology Report. Each year, the trade publication recognizes the women providing the most innovative health care technology companies with steady leadership, as they navigate an ever-changing market. Bennett’s inclusion on this list is a testament to her success in strengthening Aeroflow Health’s operations and technology infrastructure to support sustainable growth and a better patient experience. “At Aeroflow, Lauren’s people-first leadership has been integral to developing strong internal leaders while fostering a culture rooted in accountability, innovation, and service,” said Casey Hite, CEO of Aeroflow Health. “As we celebrate 25 years of growth and innovation, this recognition reflects our continued commitment to improving access to care through technology and operational excellence.” This honor also follows Hite being named to The Healthcare Technology Report’s Top Healthcare CEOs of 2025. Bennett has more than a decade of strategic leadership experience in health care technology with a proven track record of navigating complex operational challenges and delivering solutions that streamline processes and support high-quality care. “I’m proud to continue Aeroflow’s recognition within the health care technology industry as a Top Women Leader in Healthcare Technology for 2025,” she said. “This distinction is a direct result of working with a team that is deeply committed to improving the access and delivery of critical medical care. I look forward to maintaining the legacy of Aeroflow’s strong culture and high efficiency as we continue to expand our footprint in 2026 and, ultimately, break down further barriers to health care access.”
Resmed to expand distribution capabilities to Indiana
SAN DIEGO – Resmed will open a new distribution center in Greenwood, Ind., in 2027. The Greenwood center will operate as a major logistics hub, enhancing the delivery of essential health care products across North America, while reinforcing Resmed’s commitment to the local Greenwood community. It's estimated that the facility will employ more than 100 full-time and contingent workers over time across operations, logistics and management. “We’re proud to grow our U.S. footprint and invest in the local Greenwood community,” said Shane Azzi, chief supply chain officer at Resmed. “Greenwood’s talented workforce and strong spirit of collaboration played a major role in our decision to locate here. The new distribution center will help us deliver products more quickly, strengthen our ability to serve patients and providers and support the region’s long term growth.” The Greenwood center complements Resmed’s existing distribution centers in Atlanta and Moreno Valley, Calif. Its central location will connect coastal operations and support ongoing improvements in efficiency, productivity and delivery speed. Once fully operational, it will improve two-day transit coverage across North America from 75% to 90% and shorten delivery times to Canada by one full day, the company says.
Rehab Industries adds wellness brand Bodi Buzz to portfolio
INDIANAPOLIS – Rehab Industries has announced that Bodi Buzz, a rapidly growing wellness brand and urban agriculture initiative, has officially joined its portfolio of companies. The partnership marks an exciting new chapter for Bodi Buzz as it continues to expand its mission of restoring health self-sufficiency, and cultural connection through the land in Indianapolis, the company says. “Bodi Buzz represents exactly the kind of mission-driven organization we are proud to support,” said Patrick McGinley, CEO of Rehab Industries. “Their commitment to restoring health, self-sufficiency and cultural connection through urban agriculture is not only inspiring, but transformative for the Indianapolis community.” In 2024, Bodi Buzz opened its first urban farm, producing 1,800 pounds of nutrient-dense food for the local community. Last year, the organization relocated to the historic Martindale Brightwood neighborhood where they expanded operations to a half-acre lot and increased production to approximately 5,000 pounds of food. “Having access to expanded resources through this new relationship with Rehab Industries accelerates our ability to do what we do best – serve the community through agriculture, education and wellness initiatives,” said Johnson. “It allows us to increase production, reach more families, and build systems that make healthy living more accessible and sustainable for the long term.”
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