The year so far: Chaos, exits and raids, with a little bidding thrown in

It's Friday, which means it's Newswire day. I could stop there, but we're also pasting up the October issue (the pre-show issue for Medtrade!) and it's the prelude to the HME News Business Summit on Sunday (there's still time to register!).

In other words, we're busy around here at HME News world headquarters.

So with that, here's a quick but interesting post on the most read stories on our website so far this year, from Jan. 1 to Aug. 31.

'Chaos' erupts as Univita loses contracts

MIRAMAR, Fla. - Less than a year after it took over the Florida Medicaid market, Univita Health has lost all of its contracts.

Bidding bill clears another huge hurdle

WASHINGTON - The U.S. House of Representatives on Monday sided with the HME industry and passed a bill that would reform the competitive bidding program.

Company seeks to offer 'exit strategy'

SHELBYVILLE, Ala. - There's a new buyer on the horizon with ambitious plans to roll up DME companies, but it has a very tight focus.

Lincare joins Rotech, AeroCare on M&A trail

CLEARWATER, Fla. - Lincare keeps things close to the vest, but the provider is rumored to be on the acquisition trail.

Submit a bid in the Round 2 re-compete? 'Why bother?'

YARMOUTH, Maine - It turns out the top strategy for many HME providers in Round 2 competitive bidding areas isn't whether or not to bid higher or lower as part of the re-compete, but not to bid at all.

Feds raid Med-Care Diabetic

BOCA RATON, Fla. - An attorney for a mail-order contract supplier that was raided by the FBI last week says the company has “nothing to hide.”

Being a contract supplier: Has it been worth it?

YARMOUTH, Maine - With the bid window for the Round 2 re-compete drawing to a close later this month, those who accepted contracts in Round 2 are reflecting on whether or not it has been worth it.

'Providers will be less conservative' in Round 2

YARMOUTH, Maine - A new rule that allows HME providers to carve up their competitive bidding contracts could make for more aggressive bidding in the Round 2 re-compete, industry attorneys say.

Insurance giants merge: Providers brace for lower rates, increased competition

YARMOUTH, Maine - A recent flurry of mergers and acquisitions between national health insurance companies has HME providers on edge.

CMS could move soon on face-to-face requirement

WASHINGTON - A new bill in the House of Representatives paves the way for CMS to start enforcing the face-to-face requirement.