Funding


HHS Extends Attestation Deadline for COVID-19 Provider Relief Fund

Along with the extension to 45 days after receipt of payment, HHS released answers to 12 frequently asked questions about documentation and oversight measures.

CMS Releases Updated Fee Schedule For Non-Bid, Non-Rural Areas

The reimbursement rates reflect relief measures for HME providers included in the CARES Act, which went into effect in late March.

CMS Suspends Advance Payment Program

Agency is reevaluating the amounts that will be paid under its Accelerated Payment Program and has suspended its Advance Payment Program to Part B suppliers.

HHS Distributes Remainder of CARES Act Funds

HHS automatically disperses the remaining $20 billion from the Provider Relief Fund to providers based on their share of 2018 net patient revenue.

CMS Releases COVID-19 IFR

The Interim Final Rule includes HME-related items, including a widening of who can conduct telehealth visits, discussion of CARES Act provisions on rural and other non-bid-area reimbursement rates, continuous glucose monitors, and more.

Latest Stimulus Package Now Law

House passes and President signs into law $484 billion worth of funding that includes $75 Billion in relief for healthcare providers.

New Stimulus Bill Adds $75 Billion to COVID-19 Relief

The new legislative package also includes $310 billion in paycheck protection and $60 billion in Economic Injury Disaster Loan relief that HME providers can access.

HMEB Podcast

Diving Into COVID-19 Regulatory Changes

In addition to the $30 billion COVID-19 relief fund, HME providers have seen a cascade of Federal and state regulatory changes, as well as new private payer funding guidelines. AAHomecare regulatory and payer relations experts Kim Brummett and Laura Williard take a deep dive into all of them.

Accessing the CARES Act Relief Fund

There are several items providers must understand when seeking help from the $30 billion relief fund serving providers during the COVID-19 health emergency.

CARES Act Attestation Portal Now Online

Providers receiving a share of the $30 billion COVID-19 relief fund must use the portal to declare they comply with the program’s terms and conditions within 30 days of receiving the relief.



Genetic Testing and Kickbacks: Lessons for DME Suppliers

A shift in scams run by the types of bad actors involved in 2019’s $1.2 billion orthopedic brace fraud ring has new lessons HME providers should take a moment to understand.

National Mail-Order: Diabetes Benefit Use Fell, Retail Sales Grew

A new Medicare Payment Advisory Commission study of CMS’s national mail-order program for diabetic supplies showed a drop in benefit use and an increase in retail sales between 2010 and 2017, but did not see an increase in adverse health outcomes.

CMS Removes Non-Invasive Ventilators From Round 2021

Attributing the decision to COVID-19 as well as other factors, NIVs will not be part of Round 2021, and any DMEPOS supplier can provide the devices, as well as any other ventilator types covered by Medicare.

Three Major Private Payers Issue COVID-19 Policy Changes

UnitedHealthCare, Humana and Anthem issue HME-related guidance in response the Coronavirus pandemic. AAHomecare reports it is working with additional payers.

AAHomecare to Providers: Use Sound Judgement

Industry association reminds providers that CMS’s relaxed coverage requirements are to help fight COVID-19 and to not only judiciously apply the new guidelines but help police any abuse.

CMS Expands Use of Multi-Function Ventilators

New MLN Matters article stipulates that beneficiaries must now only meet typical coverage for a ventilator.

CMS IFR Streamlines DMEPOS Regulations

In response to COVID-19, CMS’s new Interim Final Rule incorporates several relief provisions that industry advocates requested to help providers better care for patients during the pandemic, but does not include a Round 2021 delay.

Stimulus Package Signed Into Law

The House passed the stimulus package, which includes various HME provisions including the extension of the 50/50 blended rate for HME in rural and non-contiguous, non-bid areas, and Pres. Trump signed the legislation into law.

Senate Upvotes Stimulus Package — With HME Provisions

Bill includes an extension of the 50/50 blended rate for HME in rural and non-contiguous, non-bid areas, and temporarily eliminates the 2 percent Medicare sequester reduction, and eliminates some telehealth requirements.

Respiratory HMEs and COVID-19

President of national HME provider AdaptHealth joins the HME Business Podcast to discuss what kinds of changes his business is making to continue caring for oxygen patients during COVID-19, as well as the need for providers to convince Congress and CMS to protect patient access to oxygen equipment during COVID-19.

HME Business Podcast

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