In brief: Trump turnaround, Homecare Champion finalists, TrueAire recall
By HME News Staff
Updated 8:32 AM CST, Fri February 7, 2025
WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump on Feb. 3 suspended his plans to implement 25% tariffs on products from Mexico and Canada, agreeing to a one-month pause in exchange for concessions on border security and crime enforcement.
The DME industry is closely monitoring the situation to see what, if any, exclusions might be included for medical equipment and products, according to a bulletin from VGM Government Relations.
An increase in tariffs, VGM says, could lead to several key impacts:
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Increased wholesale costs: The cost of importing medical equipment from overseas will rise, impacting the overall expenses for DMEPOS providers. This increase in costs is likely to be passed on to consumers, leading to higher prices for medical devices and supplies. For instance, tariffs on Chinese-made medical devices could increase prices by up to 25%, affecting a wide range of products from syringes to diagnostic equipment.
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Access to medical equipment: Higher costs may limit the availability of essential medical devices, making it harder for providers to maintain adequate supplies. This could particularly impact smaller providers who may struggle to absorb the increased costs. The tariffs could also lead to shortages of critical medical supplies, as providers may reduce their orders to manage costs.
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Timely delivery: The tariffs could exacerbate delays in the supply chain, similar to the disruptions experienced during the supply chain shortage in 2023. The previous shipping crisis had a significant impact on the access and cost of DMEPOS, causing delays and increased expenses. Similar challenges are anticipated with the new tariffs, as increased costs and potential retaliatory measures from affected countries could further disrupt the supply chain.
VGM says it is monitoring developments.
Missouri Medicaid to require firesafe cannulas
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Missouri’s Medicaid program, MO HealthNet, is now requiring DME oxygen providers to supply firesafe cannula valves to program participants, according to news reports.
The requirement, supported by representatives with the Springfield Fire Department, the Battlefield Fire District and the International Association of Fire Chiefs, went into effect Jan. 1 but will take time to implement across the state, according to the Springfield Daily Citizen.
“It’s really exciting for our area, especially for Missouri, considering that Missouri is the fourth (state) to recognize these devices through Medicaid, but it’s the first state in the United States to mandate their use for Medicaid,” said Shane Anderson, assistant chief of the Battlefield Fire Protection District.
When exposed to heat, firesafe cannula valves (also known as thermal fuses) shut off the flow of oxygen, preventing the spread of a potential fire. Fires caused or intensified by patients smoking while on oxygen therapy have been a problem for decades, according to SFD, exacerbated by the fact that up to 50% of U.S. citizens on home oxygen therapy smoke.
DME providers will be reimbursed for the cost of firesafe cannula valves by MO HealthNet as part of a fee associated with oxygen supplies, maintenance and repair. Anderson said each valve costs about $5.50.
Abbott launches initiative to battle diabetes misconceptions
ABBOTT PARK, Ill. – Abbott has launched Above the Bias, a global initiative to drive awareness about the health impact that common misconceptions and bias about diabetes can have on people living with the condition.
The initiative includes results from a new survey and a film that highlights how everyday comments impact people with diabetes.
"How many times have we heard ‘That looks like diabetes on a plate’ when we’re watching a movie, eating at a restaurant or scrolling through social media?" said Dr. Susan Guzman, co-founder of the Behavioral Diabetes Institute, clinical psychologist and diabetes specialist. "After more than two decades of research and working with people managing diabetes, I can tell you that misconceptions around diabetes take a real toll on people. If we want to help people have healthier lives, we have to recognize where and how bias around diabetes exists and promote a compassionate and fact-based understanding of diabetes."
Abbott’s new Above the Bias builds upon efforts by several diabetes organizations, patient advocacy groups and experts that continue to work to reduce stigma about diabetes.
Data from a survey of more than 2,600 people living with diabetes across eight countries, including the U.S., highlights they may not be getting the care they need due to the shame and stigma around their condition, which can lead to real and often unnoticed health consequences. Findings from the survey include:
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Diabetes stigma is an issue: Nearly 70% believe there is stigma associated with their condition.
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Diabetes as a punchline: 85% of people living with diabetes say they have seen inaccuracies about diabetes in the media, including on TV shows, movies and social media, and 40% of people felt that diabetes is often used as the punchline of a joke.
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Shame causes silence: Almost 25% have avoided sharing their diagnosis with family or friends out of embarrassment or concern.
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Health consequences: 40% have skipped or missed a doctor’s appointment due to shame or stigma.
People can learn more about Above the Bias and watch the film at AboveBias.com.
Homecare Champion finalists announced
WASHINGTON - Four industry leaders are being recognized as finalists for AAHomecare’s 2025 Van G. Miller Homecare Champion Award in recognition of their exceptional industry contributions and advocacy efforts. They are Beth Bowen, executive director of ACMESA; Bill Fredericks, president & CEO of Allcare Medical Supply; Bill Guidetti, executive vice president, sales & operations for Apria; and Rose Schafhauser, executive director of MAMES. “We were privileged to have an extraordinary group of nominees for this year’s Homecare Champion Award, each exemplifying the passion, dedication and leadership that define our industry,” said Tom Ryan, AAHomecare president/CEO. “Our four finalists have demonstrated unwavering commitment to advancing home care – leading through challenges, shaping policy and strengthening our community. Their tireless advocacy and impact extend far beyond their own organizations, driving meaningful change across the industry. It is an honor to recognize these champions and to work alongside them in our shared mission to protect and expand access to quality home-based care.” The winner will be honored at the AAHomecare Update at Medtrade on Feb. 19 at 2:15 p.m. To learn more about the nominees and their contributions, visit aahomecare.org/Homecare-Champions.
Urgent recall issued for TrueAire-5 oxygen concentrator
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued an urgent recall for the JMCC5A Ni/TruAire-5 Oxygen Concentrator due to the device spontaneously catching fire. The FDA says all units from a specified serial number range must be immediately discontinued from use and removed from service and promptly returned to Compass Health Brands. The affected devices are Model O2C5L with serial number range JA2311000001-JA2312000740. On Nov. 26, 2024, Jiangsu Jumao X-Care Medical Equipment Co. sent all affected customers an Urgent Medical Device Recall letter recommending the following actions:
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Notify customers that have received units within the affected serial number range of this recall and the requirement to replace their oxygen concentrator.
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Complete and return the medical device recall return response acknowledgement and receipt form to Compass Health Brands within 15 calendar days of receipt.
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Response form must be returned even if you have no stock or have no record of purchasing this device.
The cause of the fires and melting remains under investigation. The use of affected product may cause serious adverse health consequences, including exposure to excess heat and fire that could lead to burns and possibly death. There have been no reported injuries. There have been no reports of death.
Rhythm Healthcare taps Vanessa Saltmarsh as SVP
NEW YORK – Rhythm Healthcare has named Vanessa Saltmarsh its new senior vice president of corporate accounts and clinical education to enhance clinical education, strengthen corporate partnerships and expand the company's market presence. Most recently, she served as chief revenue officer at Journey Health & Lifestyle, where she spearheaded sales growth initiatives, leveraging her deep industry knowledge and data-driven approach to strengthen market presence and increase customer engagement. “Vanessa’s exceptional track record in driving strategic growth, coupled with her commitment to fostering innovation and customer-centric solutions, aligns perfectly with our mission at Rhythm Healthcare,” said Doug Francis, CEO of Rhythm Healthcare. “Her expertise in aligning sales, marketing and education strategies will be instrumental in enhancing our partnerships and improving clinical outcomes for the customers we serve.” Previously, Saltmarsh held a senior sales executive position at Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare, where she played a pivotal role in the company's revenue growth and market expansion over her 10-year tenure.
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Related: Rhythm named Mitch Yoel, also formerly of Journey Health & Lifestyle, as its COO about a year ago.
HME Home Health ‘buys Canadian’
RICHMOND, B.C. – In the face of possible American tariffs, HME Home Health says it supports the commitment of the British Columbia government to “buying Canadian.” “As a 100% Canadian – and B.C.-owned and operated company, HME has led the way over the past three years with moving our product sourcing to Canadian companies,” said Robert Boscacci, CEO and co-founder. “We’ve shifted our supply chain to support fellow Canadian companies, such as EMP, Evergreen, Physipro, Motion Composites and Raz, to name a few, all of which are also 100% Canadian-owned companies.” HME Home health is looking to expand its offerings from Canadian companies and has identified Canadian products on its website. The company’s HME Signature Series is almost entirely Canadian-made.
Minimi, Mikolajczak to lead Breastfeeding Coalition
WASHINGTON – Amanda Minimi of Aeroflow Health and Kathy Mikolajczak of 1 Natural Way have been named as co-chairs of the Breastfeeding Coalition. Key initiatives of the coalition will include advancing work with Medicaid programs, pushing for an end to state sales tax on breast pumps in key states and ensuring families have the resources they need. “It’s encouraging to see AAHomecare prioritize support for moms, especially amid a growing maternal health crisis,” said Minimi. “While commercial insurance mandates breast pump coverage, Medicaid—the primary safety net for our most vulnerable families—often imposes stricter restrictions, making access more difficult. Rising product costs, outdated Medicaid fee schedules and additional managed care discounts further squeeze margins, limiting availability. With 80% of Medicaid recipients covered by MCOs—and 40% under just three organizations setting arbitrary pricing—many families face unnecessary hurdles in obtaining essential breastfeeding equipment.” Minimi and Mikolajczak replace outgoing co-chairs Ryan Bullock of Aeroflow Health and Jason Canzano of Acelleron Medical Products.
Mobility City taps industry vet for VP role
BOCA RATON, Fla. – Mobility City has named Craig Kreakie as vice president of franchise operations. He brings more than 20 years of related experience in the home medical products business, including 15 years of operational experience at Cardinal Health and, most recently, as vice president of sales and service at SpinLife. "We are thrilled to have Craig as part of the leadership team at Mobility City Holdings," said Diane Baratta, CEO of Mobility City. "His strategic mindset and passion for excellence make him a valuable leader at Mobility City." Mobility City says Kreakie will oversee the operational structure of the franchise network, with a focus on driving revenue and growth. "I am honored to join Mobility City Holdings and lead the franchise performance team," Kreakie said. "I look forward to working with the talented people at Mobility City to drive innovation, growth, and success for our franchise owners."
Huxley Medical HST approved for cellular data capabilities
ATLANTA – Huxley Medical, a commercial-stage medical technology firm focused on streamlining detection of sleep and heart disorders, has received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for its SANSA home sleep apnea test to begin using cellular data upload capabilities. The company says this breakthrough eliminates the need for Bluetooth pairing or smartphone apps commonly required to transmit test data to physicians, addressing a common source of failed home testing, while simplifying the diagnostic process for patients and providers alike. "Cellular-enabled SANSA paves the way for sleep physicians and technicians to receive data in near real-time once a test is complete, enabling more efficient workflows and accelerating time to care,” said Brennan Torstrick, Huxley president and chief scientific officer. “Simultaneously, it eliminates a common practical headache for patients: the need to download a phone app and pair devices over Bluetooth. This clearance is an important milestone to expand access to home sleep testing and adds another differentiating feature to SANSA. We are proud to offer the only hands-free, wire-free and app-free test solution." SANSA's initial FDA clearance in 2024 validated accuracy against gold-standard polysomnography in a 340-patient clinical trial conducted at seven institutions. The test uniquely combines nine physiological channels—including oximetry, respiratory effort, sleep/wake staging and a reference electrocardiogram (ECG)—into a single chest-worn patch, enabling expanded insights into cardiopulmonary health.
Glucotrack completes first human clinical study for CBGM
RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Glucotrack has successfully completed its first in-human clinical study for the first real-time, continuous blood glucose monitor (CBGM) placed in the subclavian vein. CBGMs offer the potential for direct measurement without the limitations often seen with traditional continuous glucose monitors measuring glucose levels in interstitial fluid. “We are thrilled with the results of this first in-human clinical study, which establishes safety of the placement, usage and removal of the CBGM sensor lead,” said Paul V. Goode, PhD, president & CEO of Glucotrack. “While neither the study nor prototype system was designed to evaluate sensor accuracy, the system performed as expected with similar accuracy results as previously seen in our animal studies. With these positive results, the promise of continuous blood glucose monitoring is one step closer to reality.” The prospective single-arm study was a short-term, in-hospital study over a period of four days, focusing on the safety and procedural aspects of the CBGM sensor lead placement, use and removal. The CBGM sensor lead was placed intravascularly via a percutaneous procedure and connected to a prototype sensor electronics component that was placed on the skin. The six study participants had been previously diagnosed with diabetes mellitus requiring glucose monitoring and intensive insulin therapy. The CBGM is a long-term implantable device with no on-body external component, designed for three years of continuous, accurate blood glucose monitoring, offering a more convenient and less intrusive glucose monitoring solution.
Henry Schein recognizes women athletic trainers
MELVILLE, N.Y. – Henry Schein Medical paid tribute to women athletic trainers (ATs) during National Girls and Women in Sports Day 2025 on Feb. 5. Spotlighting ATs for four Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), the company’s Athletics and Schools business launched a video to showcase the critical role ATs play in the continuum of care and to recognize the increase of women ATs in sports. Featuring Theresa Acosta (New York Liberty), Dr. Christina Kennedy (Washington Mystics), Natalie Trotter (Women's Professional Basketball Athletic Trainers Association) and Brittanie Vaughn (Seattle Storm), the short interviews touch on their memorable career moments, the rise of women in sports, advice for individuals early in their careers and more. “Behind every layup and three-point shot lies a team of dedicated athletic trainers, many of whom are women,” said Megan LoRé, general manager of operations for Henry Schein’s U.S. Specialty Distribution Group. “It’s important that we acknowledge the contributions of women athletic trainers who work tirelessly behind the scenes to keep athletes at their best, physically and mentally. Henry Schein Medical is pleased to support these professionals with products, tools and resources to help ensure their impact continues to be felt across the health care landscape.” National Girls and Women in Sports Day honors athletic achievements by women, recognizes the importance of sports and fitness participation for all girls and women, and celebrates the power of women in sports and the continued push for equity.
Inogen appoints Sahney to board
GOLETA, Calif. – Inogen has announced Mira Kirti Sahney joined its board of directors effective Jan. 31, 2025. Sahney serves as a board member of Claria Medical, a privately held minimally invasive surgical tools company. Previously, she served as the president of the Pelvic Health Operating Unit at Medtronic from 2021 to 2024, and has served in leadership and executive roles at Hyalex Orthopaedics and Smith + Nephew. Sahney began her medical technology career as co-founder and President of Myomo, Inc., a wearable medical robotics company addressing neurological disorders. “We are thrilled to welcome Mira Sahney to the Inogen board,” said Elizabeth Mora, chairperson. “Mira brings considerable management, technical, and operational experience in the medical device field to Inogen. Mira’s appointment will further strengthen Inogen’s board with another talented, experienced, and capable member as we advance our position as a global leader in respiratory care.” Inogen also announced that Tom West, who has served as a director since April 2023, retired as a member of the board of directors effective Jan. 30, 2025.
Henry Schein CEO honored
MELVILLE, N.Y. – Henry Schein, Inc., has announced that Stanley M. Bergman, chairman of the board and CEO, has received the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW) Dirk Van Dongen Lifetime Achievement Award. The recognition pays tribute to individuals who have continually exemplified leadership, service and engagement with NAW and the distribution community over many years. “Thank you to NAW President and CEO Eric Hoplin and the NAW leadership team for this humbling recognition, which is named in honor of the great Dirk Van Dongen, who’s work elevated the voice of wholesalers to the national stage,” said Bergman. “This award reflects the commitment and hard work of the thousands of Team Schein Members who together work daily to make Henry Schein a most trusted and valued partner to health care professionals. We look forward to continuing our close collaboration with the NAW to advocate for policies that make American businesses more competitive in today’s markets.” Bergman received the award at the 2025 NAW Executive Summit Gala on Jan. 28 in Washington, D.C. NAW is a trade association representing the $8.2 trillion wholesale distribution industry. More than 6 million workers are employed in the wholesale distribution industry throughout the United States, accounting for one-third of the U.S. GDP. The industry comprises 35,000 wholesale distribution companies operating in nearly 150,000 places of business across North America, including all 50 states.
VGM launches roadmap for 2025 with new Playbook
WATERLOO, Iowa – VGM & Associates has released its first playbook of the year, “VGM Playbook: Forecasting 2025,” an exclusive resource to help VGM members navigate this year’s complex landscape. The Playbook features crucial insights on industry outlooks and innovations, reimbursement, legislation, compliance expectations, cybersecurity and technology trends, as well as marketplace opportunities and disruptions. “The upcoming year holds immense potential for transformation, innovation, and growth,” says Mandi Rodgers, vice president of marketing. “We are excited to present an insightful compilation of articles from some of the brightest minds and leaders within our industry to provide our members and vendor partners with valuable information for 2025.” Members can download their copy at vgm.com/playbook or by logging in to the VGM members-only portal and downloading it from the Playbook tab.
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