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COVID-19

Business Solutions

14th Annual Big 10

It’s time again for our annual Big 10 list of trends affecting HME now and in the months to come, but this year is different due to the far-reaching COVID-19 public health emergency. See what will impact the industry as we roll into 2021.

Editor's Note

The Industry That Could

HME providers have demonstrated their crucial role in American healthcare during COVID-19.

CMS Rolls Out New Location Inspection Procedure

Procedure is aimed at ensuring DMEPOS supplier locations are open and available for in-person inspections during COVID-19 Public Health Emergency.

Rep. Hinson Visits VGM

New lawmaker serving Iowa's first district meets with VGM leadership as well as VGM Government relations team.

CMS Releases Round 2021 Bid Data

The Round 2021 bids show increases for lead items in most areas compared to the 2020 fee schedule, while bids for non-lead items show mixed results. CMS opted not to award contracts for 13 categories in late October.

AAHomecare Surveying Supplier Costs

Effort aims to track how suppliers’ costs have changed during events such as COVID-19, which is important given that DMEPOS rates are essentially frozen at 2016 levels. Deadline is Feb. 5.

AAHomecare Seeks Washington Legislative Conference Feedback

Association has posted a quick online survey to gauge what the industry would like to do for the event. Deadline is Jan. 29.

CMS Gives TennCare More Flexibility in Serving Beneficiaries

Under the new “block grant” waiver, the Tennessee Medicaid program will be able to service patients with less federal oversight. CMS approved the waiver for 10 years.

AAHomecare Submits Comments on DMEPOS Proposed Rule

Association suggested various alterations to the proposed rule released in November, including how rates for former CBAs and non-rural non-CBAs should be calculated.

Congress Upvotes COVID-19 Bill

House and Senate overwhelmingly voted to pass the second relief package of the year, which includes two key HME industry provisions.



AAHomecare: Contact Your Senators Right Away

The association is urging HME stakeholders to tell their Senators this week to extend the pause the CARES Act placed on Medicare’s longstanding 2 percent sequestration cut.

CMS Releases 2021 Fee Schedule

While there are some slight ups and downs, analysis from AAHomecare shows next year’s DMEPOS fee schedule aligns with expectations and reflects the changes made due to COVID-19.

Some Senate Republicans Unsure on Sequester Extension

Providers urged to call on GOP Senators to extend the pause on 2% sequester cuts through the duration of the public health emergency.

Invacare Founder Mixon Passes Away

A shrewd business leader and HME pioneer, ‘Mal’ Mixon’s life was marked by tireless industry advocacy efforts and dedication to the ideal of ‘making life’s experiences possible.’

David Kopf

Editor's Note

CMS's Round 2021 Surprise

If CMS's decision to punt on 13 categories left you feeling left out in Limbo, it's good news. Sort of.

Round 2021 Bidder Score Sheet Available in Connexion

Providers that submitted bids can now see their financial scores to see how they rated and to use the information for future rounds.

HomesRenewed to Drive Aging-in-Place Legislation in 2021

Group, which includes VGM Live at Home, lines up a variety of priorities designed to help seniors continue living safely and healthily at home, during COVID-19 PHE and beyond.

CMS’s Round 2021 Announcement: It’s a Win

The decision to punt on 13 categories might leave some providers feeling a little in Limbo, but AAHomecare’s Tom Ryan stresses the industry should notch this as a ‘W.’ That said, some rough edges remain and there’s still work to do.

VGM to Host Round 2021 Webinar

Nov. 2 webinar will provide information on CMS's recent announcement regarding Round 2021 of competitive bidding.

CMS Releases Proposed DMEPOS Payment Rule

Proposed rule covers various provisions, including continuing rural relief and removing manual CRT wheelchairs and accessories from bidding. Public comments will be due Jan. 3.

HME Business Podcast