Funding


Two Key Industry Efforts: Round 2021 Delay and AAHomecare Ambassadors

Tom Ryan of American Association for Homecare joins the HMEB podcast to discuss the current push to delay Round 2021 and the special Ambassador project to get more providers involved in the association.

Medicare Advantage Use Continued to Rise in 2019

Between Q4 2018 and Q4 2019, Medicare Advantage use grew by 4%, according to data released by HME sales platform PlayMaker Health. The update also covers Home Health and Hospice.

CMS: Audits Won’t Fully Resume on Aug. 3

After AAHomecare shared industry concerns over audit resumption, CMS provided a more nuanced and detailed description of how the audit programs will recommence.

House Sign-on Letter Calls for Bid Delay

HME providers have until July 29 to secure signatures on Congressional letter urging HHS and CMS to delay Round 2021 for at least a year.

CMS to Resume Medicare Audits, Prior Authorization on Aug. 3

Postponed since March 30, TRP, SMRC and RAC audits will restart next month, as will prior authorization for PMDs and support surfaces.

Anthem Won’t Rescind or Delay HME Cuts

Despite efforts from AAHomecare, Anthem and subsidiary Amerigroup have doubled down on cuts to HME rates that go as high as 60 percent.

Applications for Medicaid/CHIP Provider Relief Due July 20

The run-up to the deadline continues while AAHomecare notes that HHS is aware policies could potentially penalize Medicaid-focused suppliers who also served Medicare beneficiaries.

Healthcare Orgs Fight CARES Act Tax Penalty

AAHomecare has banded together with other healthcare industry organizations to fix a flaw in the CARES Act that could cost providers more than a fifth of their CARES Act funding.

AAHomecare Presses for Equitable Medicaid Relief

Some providers were denied the recently announced Medicaid/CHIP relief despite declining payments from the first tranche of relief. Association working with administration, lawmakers for a fix.

AAHomecare Votes in New Board Members

Association elects Apria’s Guidetti as chairman, Spiro Health’s Gary Sheehan as new vice chairman and Pride’s Seth Johnson as new secretary, as well six new at-large board members.



HHS Earmarks $15 Billion for Medicaid and CHIP Providers

The relief is for providers who have directly billed their state Medicaid/CHIP programs or Medicaid managed care plans in 2018-2020, but haven’t received payments from the $50 billion Provider Relief Fund’s General Distribution.

California Providers Fight Medi-Cal Cuts

While Golden State providers repelled larger Medicaid cuts last year, CAMPS and AAHomecare are now working California HME stakeholders to limit significant retroactive recoupments.

HHS Extends Relief Attestation Deadline

Agency shifts the deadline for filling out the CARES Act Provider Relief Fund attestation form from 45 days after receiving payment to 90 days.

Senate Upvotes Bill that Adds Major Flexibility to PPP

Upper chamber passes legislation that would lengthen period for using PPP funds and decrease the percentage of funds needed to be spent on payroll. The reform now goes to the President for signature.

AAHomecare Submits Comments on CMS IFR

After thanking CMS for relief given to providers to help them continue providing services during COVID-19, association sought further clarification and recommended additional relief.

2020 HME Business Handbook: Credit

How to Integrate Consumer Credit Options into Your HME Business's Retail Sales

Consumer financing is becoming commonplace in post acute care, and that includes the HME industry. What do providers need to know in order to support healthcare credit cards — and reap the benefits?

Coronavirus

Business Solutions

Pandemic!

As epidemiologists and public health officials first started warning about COVID-19, some HME providers were already making plans. How has the industry responded to the public health emergency? How have these changes impacted their businesses and patients? How has public policy adjusted? How might all these changes impact the future of the HME?

SBA Issues 2 IFRs on PPP Loans

IFRs covers several issues related to loan forgiveness, loan review procedures, and borrower and lender responsibilities. VGM provides overview.

AAHomecare Offers Guidance on IFR Comments

The association has outlined a number of requests it is making in its public comments on CMS’s April 6 interim final rule. Comments are due June 1.

HHS Updates Guidance on Provider Relief Fund and Attestation Requirements

Latest update is part of multiple new and modified FAQs that HHS has released in the past week.

HME Business Podcast

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