WATERLOO, Iowa (June 5, 2020)—VGM & Associates have released three new resources to help members navigate the new business climate post-PHE. These resources include the latest edition of the VGM playbook, a remote guide to help members transition into a virtual working environment, and a re-opening checklist to help businesses prepare for the new environment.

SACREMENTO, Calif. (June 5, 2020)—California HME stakeholders achieved a measure of success last year in pushing back against a Medi-Cal proposal for Medicaid reimbursement rates based on 80% of non-rural Medicare rates, convincing the agency to use higher rural rates, instead. The new rates went into effect in April 2020 and will be applied retroactively to January 2019; Medi-Cal is anticipated to begin recoupments soon.
 

BRADENTON, Fla, (June 5, 2020)—Tyton Design & Development, originally a wheelchair accessory manufacturer, announced that they are focusing on providing facemasks throughout the United States. Due to recent events, the average person is at a loss to find proper protection during the pandemic. Tyton decided to do its part for the community, and now the nation. Already providing thousands of masks across Florida, Tyton decided to open its doors to individuals across all fifty states.

SPARTANBURG, S.C. (June 5, 2020)—QS/1 announced the launch of the iQ Virtual Series. This online educational experience will take the place of the much anticipated 2020 iQ Conference, canceled earlier this year due to COVID-19 restrictions. The iQ Virtual Series will offer product training, industry education, continuing education credits, and provide an ongoing educational platform for QS/1 customers.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 3, 2020)—As announced first in January 2019, starting in calendar year (CY) 2021 (and through CY 2024) the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will begin a demonstration program under the Value-Based Insurance Design (VBID) model to test coverage of hospice care as part of the Medicare Advantage (MA) benefit package.