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AAHomecare Asks CMS for Clarification on DRA
ALEXANDRIA, Va.--In an April 20 letter addressed to Herb Kuhn, director of CMS' Center for Medicare Management, the American Association for Homecare has asked for clarification on the oxygen and DME rental cap provisions in the Deficit Reduction Act.
The association is concerned about a number of issues involving implementation of the DRA--signed into law on Feb. 8--which will cap Medicare rental of home oxygen equipment at 36 months and transfer the title to the beneficiary, as well as eliminate the cap rental option for DME (see HomeCare Monday, Jan. 9).
"AAHomecare understands that these new payment methodologies do not take effect immediately. However, their impact on our members' operations is immediate because they must begin to structure their operations to respond to the changes," the letter said. "Moreover, providers must plan now for their implementation in order to ensure a smooth transition for Medicare beneficiaries."
The letter included the following 33 questions addressing medical necessity and documentation, reimbursement, service and maintenance and other issues:
