In brief: Rotech makes buy, OPGA taps director, CareForward joins bid fight
By HME News Staff
Updated 11:14 AM CDT, Fri September 26, 2025
ORLANDO, Fla. – Rotech Healthcare has acquired Memphis, Tenn.-based Baptist Home Medical Equipment, expanding its footprint in Tennessee, Mississippi and Arkansas.
Baptist Home Medical Equipment was owned by Baptist Memorial Health, which is comprised of 23 hospitals.
“We are thrilled to work with the Baptist Memorial Health Care team and expand our presence in these states,” said Robin Menchen, president and CEO of Rotech. “This acquisition is not only about growth – it’s about ensuring patients experience a seamless transition in care, and that referring providers can continue trusting in consistent, high-quality service for their patients’ needs.”
The acquisition combines Baptist Home Medical Equipment’s deep relationships with patients and providers in the area with Rotech’s national resources and support, company officials say.
“We look forward to working with Rotech Healthcare in this new capacity,” said Brad Parsons, VP of market operations for Baptist. “Baptist has compassionately served home medical equipment patients in the Mid-South for decades, and this partnership will allow us to shift our focus to our core business areas, while continuing to support patients’ needs and providing high-quality and sustainable health care for the region.”
In June, Rotech Healthcare and Owens & Minor mutually agreed to terminate a previously announced acquisition. Under the terms of the agreement, Owens & Minor paid $80 million to Rotech Healthcare.
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OPGA taps Kessler as new director
New director brings ‘personal commitment’ to new role
WATERLOO, Iowa – The Orthotic and Prosthetic Group of America (OPGA) has named Jeff Kessler director of OPGA effective Oct. 1, 2025.
Kessler brings more than a decade of experience across multiple roles within the VGM community, most recently serving as partner account manager at VGM & Associates, driving strategic collaboration and growth initiatives between VGM and its partners in the O&P, CRT, and home access markets.
“I have a deep respect for the skill, expertise, and value that O&P clinics, clinicians, and manufacturers bring to the patients they serve,” said Kessler. “While this is an endlessly rewarding field, the barriers to long-term viability for our shared mission continue to grow. As a survivor of a traumatic childhood accident, my commitment to this industry is also deeply personal. I grew up in the prosthetic community, visiting clinics and working with prosthetists for as long as I can remember. I’m excited to use my experience to help OPGA members and partners expand their impact on the patients and communities they serve.”
In his new position, Jeff will assist VGM’s OPGA community while further promoting the O&P profession for both OPGA’s members and their supplier partners.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Jeff Kessler as the new director of OPGA,” said Tyler Mahncke, SVP of clinical mobility and accessibility, VGM & Associates. “Jeff has been deeply involved in the orthotics and prosthetics space for many years, and his experience working closely with manufacturers, distributors, and service providers makes him an exceptional fit for this role. We’re confident he’ll hit the ground running and bring tremendous value to our members and partners from day one.”
CareForward Alliance urges CMS to halt CBP, work with stakeholders on real reforms
YARMOUTH, Maine – The CareForward Alliance, a newly formed coalition of senior citizen advocates, people with disabilities, patient groups and free-market policy organizations, warns that proposed changes to Medicare’s competitive bidding program would reduce choice, increase costs and limit access to critical medical equipment for millions of beneficiaries.
The coalition calls on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to not move forward with the proposed rule and instead work with stakeholders to institute real reforms that will root out waste, fraud and abuse in the health care system.
“These proposed changes would undermine the very principles of the CBP: choice, efficiency and market-driven cost savings,” said Saul Anuzis, president of the 60 Plus Association, part of the coalition. “Instead of improving competition, the government is inserting more bureaucracy and limiting suppliers, which ultimately means fewer options and longer delays for those on Medicare who need essential equipment like intermittent urinary catheters and ostomy supplies.”
In addition to the 60 Plus Association, the CareForward Alliance is a project of the American Association of Senior Citizens, the leading senior advocacy organization focused on defending the rights and independence of older Americans.
Premier to be acquired by Patient Square
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Premier, Inc., a technology-driven health care improvement company, has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by an affiliate of Patient Square Capital in a transaction valued at $2.6 billion.
Under the terms of the agreement, which has been unanimously approved by Premier’s board of directors, Premier stockholders will receive $28.25 in cash per share, representing a 23.8% premium to Premier’s 60-day volume-weighted average price as of Sept. 5, 2025.
“We are pleased to have reached this agreement and delighted that Patient Square recognizes and is committed to enhancing Premier’s integral role in the U.S. health care system,” said Richard Statuto, Premier’s board chair. “We believe this transaction is in the best interests of Premier and its stockholders and, upon closing, will deliver immediate and certain value to our stockholders, while simultaneously providing the company with access to additional capital that can accelerate the support and services provided to members and other customers during this critical time in health care.”
Menlo Park, Cailf.-based Patient Square Capital is a dedicated health care investment firm with more than $14 billion in assets under management.
Since going public in 2013, Premier has built supply chain expertise, world-class technology and nationally recognized advisory capabilities that enable its members to continuously improve their cost, quality and operational efficiencies, said Michael J. Alkire, Premier’s president and CEO.
“Now, as the health care landscape continues to rapidly evolve, transitioning to private ownership will once again enhance the company’s financial flexibility and provide additional resources to accelerate the advancement and tech-enablement of our product portfolio, capitalize on emerging opportunities and continue pushing the envelope of innovation,” he said. “I am proud of everything our team has achieved and look forward to building on our progress as we continue delivering real results for our members, contracted suppliers, customers and other stakeholders.”
CGM wins: Virginia, Alabama Medicaid programs to expand coverage, AAHomecare reports
ARLINGTON, Va. – Virginia Medicaid officials have told Medicaid MCOs in the state that their plan members must be allowed access to continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) through both the DME and pharmacy channels, according to a bulletin from AAHomecare. Virginia Medicaid has communicated to MCOs that if their plan does not currently allow CGMs to be available through both benefits, then that change needs to be put in place as soon as possible and it must be retroactive to July 1, 2025. In addition, MCOs are required to notify DME providers and members of this change, if a notice was previously put out that the benefit was allowable under pharmacy only. See Virginia Medicaid’s Sept. 12 update for more information.
Alabama Medicaid will expand CGM coverage to adults, effective Oct. 1, 2025, AAHomecare has also announced. The state’s public notice, which includes additional coverage information, can be found here.
AAHomecare says it appreciates the strong engagement of its association partners at Atlantic Coast Medical Equipment Services Association (ACMESA) and Alabama Durable Medical Equipment Association (ADMEA) in these collaborative efforts to secure wins that benefit DME providers and patients.
HME Home Health opens new rental center to serve as central hub
RICHMOND, B.C. – HME Home Health has opened a new HME Rental Centre in Richmond, B.C. This new facility will operate alongside HME’s current two Richmond locations – the corporate office and Richmond warehouse – and will serve as the central hub for all rental operations across the province. It will house rental stairlifts and ramps, as well as HME’s growing loan programs. “This further expansion will allow HME to consolidate all of our rental operations and continue to expand our reach – rentals are an important program, and we love offering the best and most cost-effective rentals in B.C.,” said Robert Boscacci, CEO & co-founder. “As a 100% Canadian-owned and operated company, HME is always proud to be investing back into our communities that we serve.” HME says it provides more than 2,500 rentals to new clients each month. The company has opened 25,000 square feet of warehouse space this year. With the addition of the new HME Rental Centre, HME now operates 11 locations across the province, including three locations in Richmond, as well as additional locations in Victoria, Surrey, Nanaimo, North Vancouver, Kelowna, Sechelt, Abbotsford and Kamloops.
Mölnlycke Health Care breaks ground on $135M expansion of wound care manufacturing facility
BRUNSWICK, Maine, and Gothenburg, Sweden – Mölnlycke Health Care is celebrating the groundbreaking of a major expansion to its wound care manufacturing capacity in Brunswick, Maine.
This milestone marks the beginning of a $135 million investment aimed at significantly increasing Mölnlycke’s manufacturing capacity in the United States.
“This expansion is a bold step forward for Mölnlycke in the U.S.,” said Zlatko Rihter, CEO of Mölnlycke. “It reinforces our mission to free patients and caregivers from the burden of wounds, strengthens supply resilience, and helps us to deliver high-quality wound care solutions faster, smarter, and more sustainably. I’m proud to mark this milestone for Mölnlycke, for Maine and for the future of MedTech.”
The expansion is part of Mölnlycke’s strategic commitment to localize production and meet growing demand from U.S. health care providers.
The state-of-the-art facility will support Mölnlycke’s long-term sustainability goals by using renewable energy solutions, including wind and solar power, and streamlined logistics. Over the next five years, the investment will create new job opportunities, increasing Mölnlycke’s workforce in Maine by approximately 10%.
“Today isn’t just about breaking ground. It’s about being bold, embracing partnerships and leading with passion,” said Chris Biddle, general manager of U.S. manufacturing, wound care. “Thank you to everyone who helped bring this vision to reality. The expansion is a win for Mölnlycke, for the local community and, ultimately, for the patients we serve.”
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by senior federal and state lawmakers, including U.S. Sen. Angus King and Maine Governor Janet Mills, who offered their support for the investment.
USAging raises awareness of Area Agencies on Aging programs, resources
WASHINGTON – In observance of Healthy Aging Month in September and Active Aging Week Oct. 6–12, USAging is raising awareness of health and wellness services and programs provided by Area Agencies on Aging through a national campaign, Area Agencies on Aging: Helping You Live Long and Stay Strong. “Older adults have to navigate many factors that impact their ability to live well and independently,” said USAging CEO Sandy Markwood. “These include managing their own changing physical needs, staying engaged in their communities after retirement and caring for loved ones. Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) can be a trusted partner in figuring out where to find support with these new challenges. Far too many people do not know about AAAs and the role they play in connecting older adults to local resources that can help them live healthy lives where they want—at home.” AAAs provide a wide variety of services and programs that assist older adults in staying well and healthy, including:
- Health education and wellness classes
- Fall prevention and chronic disease self-management training
- Social engagement activities
- Integrational and other volunteering opportunities
- Help understanding and navigating benefits such as Medicare, Medicaid and veterans’ benefits
- Home-delivered meals and meals in group settings.
- Legal services
- Medical transportation support
- Training and support for caregivers, including respite
FMI: Visit www.usaging.org/livelongstaystrong or connect with a local AAA by contacting the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116.
Permobil to host Harvest Hoopla community event
LEBANON, Tenn. – Permobil will host Harvest Hoopla, a free, inclusive fall celebration designed to bring together families, community partners and people of all ages and abilities. The event will take place Sept. 27 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Permobil facility in Lebanon, Tenn. This year's event features motivational speaker and wheelchair user Aaron Baker, inclusive activities, fall festivities, food trucks, adaptive horseback riding, live music, free mobility device repairs and more. “Harvest Hoopla is more than just a seasonal celebration, it’s a reflection of our commitment to inclusion, mobility, and community,” said Audra Watt, vice president of marketing, Permobil Americas. “Thanks to our partners, we’re able to offer something truly special for Nashville this fall.”
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