WASHINGTON—The American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare) launched two portals to collect end-user and family caregiver stories about the real-world impact of policy changes for non-invasive ventilators (NIV) and continuous glucose monitors (CGM). These stories will be used in advocacy efforts to educate payers and governmental agencies on the access issues and proposed solutions.
WASHINGTON—The American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare) released a comprehensive survey report detailing the impact of Medicare reimbursement cuts for home medical equipment (HME) suppliers that took effect on Jan. 1, 2024.
The American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare) reported that UnitedHealthcare (UHC) recently notified suppliers of its plans to delay implementation of substantially revised HME order and fulfillment processes for DME for members of their Medicare Advantage (MA) plans who are enrolled in HMO and PPO products in North Carolina and Georgia. The implementation date is being moved back one month, from August 1 to September 1.
WASHINGTON—In early July, the American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare) launched a nationwide survey on the impact of the expired Medicare fee-for-service 75/25 blended rate for non-bid/non-rural areas on the HME community and Medicare patients’ access to medically necessary equipment.
The American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare) announced the promotion of David Chandler to vice president of payer relations, reflecting his home medical equipment (HME) experience and leadership on high-impact payer relations efforts in his five-plus years with the association.
CLEVELAND, Ohio—Compass Health Brands announced the stepping up of its corporate sponsorship of the American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare) to the Diamond level. Compass Health said it has been an avid supporter of AAHomecare and its state association partners for the past seven years.
WASHINGTON—Last week, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the 2024 Bi-Annual HCPCS Public Meeting Agenda for May 28-30. The first topic listed in the May 28 Agenda is CMS’s proposal to expand the HCPCS codes list for intermittent catheters (ICs).
WASHINGTON—More than 50 American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare) board and council leaders are set to meet with approximately 140 House and Senate offices on May 15. Advocates will discuss a range of issues, including Medicare reimbursement policy—specifically, the need to pass 75/25 relief legislation that has moved through House and Senate committees but was not included in recent spending bills.
The American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare) reported that last week, the HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) began sending emails and letters to a select group of continuous glucose monitor (CGM) suppliers as part of an evaluation for its study "Medicare Payments Compared to the Prices Available to Consumers and Suppliers for Continuous Glucose Monitors and Sensors." This study aims to determine the cost-effectiveness of Medicare payments in comparison to the supplier’s acquisition c
NASHVILLE, Tennessee—On Wednesday, April 24 the Tennessee House of Representatives unanimously approved (96-0) an amended version of HB 2147/SB 2368, legislation that ensures patients have strong access to effective preventative maintenance and repairs for complex rehab technology (CRT).
The newly adopted legislation:
ARLINGTON, Virginia—The American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare) announced the promotion of Laura Williard to senior vice president of payer relations, reflecting her leadership role in guiding the Association’s payer relations efforts.
ARLINGTON, Virginia—The American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare) announced it will launch its "WHY Campaign" at Medtrade. The campaign, centered around the question "What's your WHY for being in the HME Industry?", aims to celebrate the passion and dedication of the home medical equipment (HME) community while highlighting the value of HME and the importance of membership in AAHomecare to enhance advocacy efforts.
WASHINGTON—On Sunday, congressional leaders announced an agreement for a narrow health care package as part of appropriations legislation. The package does not include provisions to extend 75/25 Medicare blended rates for durable medical equipment (DME) in nonrural areas. These measures are part of appropriations language set for consideration by March 8.
WASHINGTON—AAHomecare’s lobbying team and other home medical equipment (HME) stakeholders remain engaged in advocating for including extended 75/25 blended-rate relief among health care provisions in government spending packages needed in advance of March 1 and March 8 funding deadlines. HHS funding is subject to the March 8 deadline.
WASHINGTON—The Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Administrative Contractor (DME MAC) Medical Directors published updated Medicare guidelines regarding positive airway pressure (PAP) and respiratory assist device (RAD) supplies.
WASHINGTON—The House of Representatives passed a short-term spending bill Thursday, Jan. 18 to keep the government funded until the beginning of March, buying lawmakers more time to finish the formal appropriations process.
The American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare) released updates on state-related Medicaid policies and reimbursement rate increases.
Virginia Medicaid durable medical equipment (DME) policy was updated on Jan. 1 to include several revisions sought by industry advocates. Key changes include:
WASHINGTON—Two priority home medical equipment (HME) bills will be considered by the Health Subcommittee of the House Energy & Commerce Committee on Wednesday, Nov. 15:
WASHINGTON—Nearly 100 home medical equipment (HME) advocates will be meeting screen-to-screen with members of Congress and staff to build support for Medicare reimbursement relief legislation on Monday’s special Virtual Hill Day (Nov. 13) with American Association for Homecare (AAHC). The follow-up session to AAHC's Sept. 20 virtual fly-in is focused on raising awareness and understanding the importance of including measures from S. 1294 and H.R.
RALEIGH, N.C.—State and national durable medical equipment (DME) advocates have helped secure a $3.2 million increase for HME in North Carolina, the American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare) announced.
AAHomecare credited the Atlantic Coast Medical Equipment Services Association (ACMESA) and strong relationships developed with North Carolina Medicaid officials and members of the state legislature for making the win possible.
WASHINGTON— In what was called a "big win" by the American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare) the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) published a change request (CR) directing DME MACs to adjust their local edits to allow for 90-day billing for continuous glucose monitor (CGM) supplies to align with blood glucose monitor supplies.
