Legislative


Fla., Okla., N.Y. Associations Seek Support on Legislation

The legislative efforts seek to protect state reimbursement rates and patient access for HME by blocking moves to privatize state Medicaid programs.

Medicare Sequestration Bill Now Law

The moratorium on the 2% Medicare sequestration reimbursement cut now lasts until Dec. 31.

Observation Deck

Modifications to Stark and the Anti-Kickback Statute

Physician self-referral law and the federal anti-kickback statute have seen modifications in the move to value-based care.

CMS Temporarily Holds Applying Sequester Cuts

While the extended moratorium on the 2% cuts officially ends April 1, CMS will continue holding off on applying them while Congress finishes related legislative action.

Former AAHomecare VP Passes Away

The well-known HME advocate developed a deep level of expertise in healthcare policy that he applied to the industry association’s efforts.

David Kopf

Editor's Note

Competitive Bidding's Forever Pause

What's the situation with Round 2021 of competitive bidding and what does it mean for pharmacies serving DMEPOS beneficiaries?

Senate Votes to Extend Pause on Sequester Cuts

The compromise legislation extends the moratorium until the end of the year. It now moves to the House for passage and then President Biden's office to be signed into law.

AAHomecare: O2 Rates Will Bolster Reimbursement for Years to Come

Besides adding $650 million in reimbursements for oxygen suppliers over the next 10 years, the recent win should pay other dividends industry advocates say.

FAHCS, ATHOMES Nix Virtual Events, Focus on In-Person Shows

Florida, Tenn. associations cancel their March events; FAHCS gears up for live event in August; ATHOMES makes ready for Sept. in-person conference.

Advocates Push to Extend Pause on Sequestration Cuts

With Medicare’s moratorium set to expire soon, AAHomecare and other advocates are reaching out to lawmakers to extend the suspension of the cuts until the end of 2021.



CMS Updates DMEPOS Fee Schedule

Citing errors in the December 2020 schedule, this new release includes adjustments to more than 900 HCPCS codes.

AAHomecare Slates Virtual Conference

Industry’s national association will host a Virtual Washington Legislative Conference on Sept. 29 that will feature online meetings with lawmakers.

Providers Called on to Fill in the GAP

Grassroots Accountability Project from AAHomecare, VGM and state associations is looking for providers in key states to become industry advocates.

NEMEP Taking Registrations for Virtual Conference

March 23-25 event for N.Y. and N.J. providers offers a variety of conference sessions across multiple tracks and includes CEU opportunities as well.

VGM Meets With Rep. Miller-Meeks

New lawmaker representing Iowa’s 2nd congressional district sits down with VGM staff to learn about a range of issues and challenges facing HME businesses.

AAHomecare Calls on HMEs to Share Winter Storm Stories.

Providers serving patients during rough winter storms are urged to share their stories with industry association to help advocates demonstrate HME and homecare’s value to lawmakers, regulators.

lungs

Breathe Easy?

COVID-19 has strained America’s oxygen infrastructure like nothing before. What factors are impacting supply and demand, and how are stakeholders responding? What other factors are impacting the oxygen market at the same time?

AAHomecare Promotes 3 Team Members

David Chandler, Ashley Plauché, and Mina Uehara take on expanded leadership roles in payer relations, member and public relations, and regulatory affairs, respectively.

Blackburn Aims to Protect Tennessee's Medicaid Block Grant

After CMS recently approved block grants for Medicaid, the Biden administration made announcements that could jeopardize the waivers. Measure introduced by Sen. Blackburn would protect TennCare's recently acquired block grant waiver.

Industry Joins Effort to Extend Medicare Rate Relief

As Congress negotiates COVID-19 relief, AAHomecare backs push urging Congressional leaders to include H.R. 315 in their legislation, which would extend the Medicare sequester moratorium through the PHE.

HME Business Podcast