In brief: National HME partnership, inventory inefficiency, Medicare Advantage delays 

DALLAS and IRVING, Texas. - Under a new exclusive agreement National HME will deliver DME equipment and services to Elara Caring’s patient network across 18 states. 

Elara Caring, a national home health provider, serves more than 60,000 patients daily, supported by a team of about 26,000 caregivers operating more than 300 locations throughout the Northeast, Midwest and Soutwest. 

“We are honored to partner with the Elara Caring team in delivering high-quality, compassionate care and support for patients and their families during a critical time in their care process,” said Jeffrey Waldman, chairman and CEO of National HME. “National HME is looking forward to expanding the reach and impact of our exceptional services through our national platform and leading Hospice Cloud Pro technology and working with Elara Caring in delivering DME services to a greater number of patients across the country.” 

National HME will leverage its proprietary Hospice Cloud Pro software and a nationwide network of more 60 service locations to provide scalable, cost-effective DME solutions. The company’s platform is designed to streamline operations, ensure compliance with hospice benefits, and improve patient outcomes. 

• Related: National HME has acquired Dallas-based Hospice Source.    
• Related: National HME has named Jeffrey Waldman as its chairman of the board and CEO. 

Report: Inventory inefficiency stunts growth for HME providers 

HOUSTON – More than $4 billion annually is lost due to excess inventory, asset shrinkage, wasted labor and missed revenue, according to a new industry report released by HME360, a Software as a Service (SaaS) inventory optimization solution built for home medical equipment (HME) providers. 

Other key findings from the report: 

• Nearly 90% of providers still perform regular manual counts, causing staff frustration and wasted labor time. 
• 65% of providers say they are missing revenue opportunities because of inventory problems. 
• Only about one in 10 leaders believe their current inventory systems are fully optimized. 

"Inventory inefficiency has become a strategic risk for HME providers," said John Skoro, co-founder and CEO of HME360. "Manual processes and outdated systems are draining the industry. But there is a path forward - automation, integration and visibility are the keys to turning inventory into a strategic advantage." 

The report, which is based on a study conducted by in90group Research, an independent research firm, also outlines what HME leaders identify as keys to inventory optimization. 

To download the full report, visit hme360.com. 

CQRC offers up SOAR Act as way to support access to new tech 

WASHINGTON – The Council for Quality Respiratory Care (CQRC) shared a letter with the House Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee in advance of its hearing “Examining Policies to Enhance Seniors’ Access to Breakthrough Medical Technologies” to promote its SOAR Act. In the letter, the CQRC makes the case that the Supplemental Oxygen Access Reform (SOAR) Act (S. 1406/H.R. 2902) would: 

• Support innovation by locking in the savings from Medicare’s competitive bidding program and addressing chronic underfunding for liquid oxygen 
• Establish innovative strategies to eliminate fraud and abuse 
• Recognize the critical importance of respiratory therapy services 

“Earlier this year, more than 30 health and medical organizations sent a letter to Congress urging members to support the SOAR Act,” the letter states. “As the committee considers legislation to incentivize access to innovation in the Medicare program, we urge members to take up the SOAR Act and pass it this year.” 

The CQRC is a coalition of the nation’s six leading providers and manufacturers of supplemental oxygen. Together, they provide in-home patient services and respiratory equipment to more than 600,000 of the more than 1 million Medicare patients who rely on oxygen therapy to maintain their independence and quality of life. 

• Read the CQRC’s letter to the Health Subcommittee here. 
• Read the letter sent to Congress by the CQRC and more than 30 health and medical organizations here. 

Senators introduce bill to rein in Medicare Advantage delays 

WASHINGTON – U.S. Sens. Catherine Cortez Masto, D.-Nev., and Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., have introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation to improve Medicare Advantage’s billing practices. 

The senators say the bill would offer certainty to health care providers who contract with MA plans and ensure that seniors aren't stuck with unfair, confusing or delayed bills after receiving critical care. 

“Nevadans who rely on Medicare Advantage deserve the peace of mind that when they go to the doctor’s office or hospital, their MA plan will pay providers for their care in a timely manner, and they won’t be sent a delayed bill many months later,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “This bipartisan legislation makes commonsense fixes to Medicare Advantage’s billing practices that will help health care providers and patients by bringing transparency and stability to the program.” 

The bill would: 

• Require MA plans to pay providers faster and more reliably; 
• Defines ‘clean claims’ according to widely accepted national standards; 
• Sets minimum timely payment standards; and 
• Aligns rules for in-and out-of-network claims. 

Companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives is led by Reps. Jodey Arrington, R-Texas, and Linda Sánchez, D-Calif. 

The bills are supported by: 

• Federation of American Hospitals (FAH) 
• American Hospital Association (AHA) 
• National Rural Health Association (NRHA) 
• American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), America’s Essential Hospitals (AEH) 
• American Society of Anesthesiologists, American Psychiatric Association (APA) 
• Bipartisan Policy Center Action (BPC Action) 
• Nevada Hospital Association 
• Texas Hospital Association 
• California Hospital Association, Vizient, and OCHIN 

Go here for the full text of the bill. 

NCPA announces ESPN host as keynote speaker for annual convention 

ALEXANDRIA, Va. - The National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) has announced that Marty Smith, a popular and recognized reporter and host at ESPN, will be the keynote speaker for its 2025 Annual Convention. Smith, who joined ESPN in 2006, covers a variety of sports for the station, including college football, basketball, both the NFL and NBA, NASCAR and others. He also launched “Marty Smith’s America” on ESPN2 and authored two books: “Never Settle” and “Sideline CEO.” In “Sideline CEO,” Smith shares leadership lessons from championship coaches, offering insights that extend beyond sports into everyday life. During the event’s general session, he will talk through these observations and much more. NCPA’s 2025 Annual Convention, scheduled for Oct. 18-21 in New Orleans, will feature peer-to-peer business education, networking opportunities and an Expo Hall. To learn more and register, click here. 

VGM taps Jeff Bowman to strengthen vendor relationships 

WATERLOO, Iowa – VGM & Associates has announced that Jeff Bowman has joined the company as senior vice president of strategic partnerships to strengthen vendor relationships, enhance strategic partnerships, and support the team in achieving long-term goals. He brings a wealth of experience, knowledge, relationships and more to VGM from his more than three decades of experience in the health care and home medical equipment (HME) industries, including 18 years with McKesson Medical-Surgical, where he held multiple leadership roles. Most notably, he led McKesson’s HME distribution business for 10 years, driving significant growth and earning recognition as Senior Sales Leader of the Year three times for his leadership and results. “Jeff stood out among a strong pool of candidates due to his unmatched experience and passion for the HME industry,” said Lindy Tentinger, president of VGM & Associates. “His leadership will be key in maintaining and growing our vendor relationships and in helping us deliver even greater value to our members and partners.” Bowman later served as president of RestorixHealth Post-Acute Services, an HME business focused on wound care and related supplies. Most recently, he has provided advisory services to leading health care distribution and technology companies. Bowman has also served on several industry boards, including the AAHomecare Board and Executive Committee, HIDA’s LTC and Home Care Advisory Boards, and the University of Alabama School of Health Professions Advisory Board. 

Braze Mobility partners with Beyond Mobility, expands into UK market 

TORONTO – Braze Mobility has announced a new distribution partnership with Beyond Mobility, a U.K.-based provider of mobility and independent living solutions. This marks a major milestone in the company’s expansion into the U.K. market, making its Braze Blind Spot Sensors available to wheelchair users and clinicians there through a trusted, local channel. “At Braze Mobility, we are committed to enhancing mobility and independence through intuitive technology,” said Dr. Pooja Viswanathan, CEO and founder of Braze Mobility. “We’re thrilled to partner with Beyond Mobility, whose values of empathy, quality and individualized care align perfectly with our mission to empower users without taking away their control.” Braze Blind Spot Sensors can be added to any manual or powered wheelchair, transforming it into a “smart” mobility device that detects obstacles and provides real-time feedback through lights, sounds and vibrations. 

CRT advocates make their case on Capitol Hill 

WASHINGTON – Complex rehab technology (CRT) advocates descended on Washington, D.C., on Sept. 16-17 to discuss legislative and regulatory issues for manufacturers, suppliers and consumers. The group held 71 meetings, with the majority involving members of the committees of jurisdiction who oversee Medicare and other health-care related bills, according to NCART. Advocates discussed: 

• The need for repair reform 
• The need for coverage for power standing devices 
• The need to improve access to high-tech ultralightweight manual wheelchairs 
• The need to extend telehealth flexibilities 

“The legislative offices were interested in understanding how these issues affected their constituents and how they could best assist them,” NCART stated. “Many thanks to all who participated and shared your expertise and experiences. The CRT industry is small but highly impactful; however, we must continue to educate legislators so that they do not forget the value we bring to consumers who utilize CRT equipment.”