The American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare) works to strengthen access to care for the million
We are gearing up for a transformative 2024, advocating for the DMEPOS Relief Act of 2023 (H.R. 5555). This bill seeks to establish a 90/10 blended Medicare reimbursement rate for home medical equipment products in competitive bidding areas and to extend the current 75/25 rate in rural/non-CBA areas through 2024.
Dive into the details below!
WASHINGTON – The HME industry needs to be “prepared for anything,” stakeholders say, to get reimbursement relief in place for 2024.
The Education Survey closes today - make sure you take 5 minutes to complete the survey and help us offer webinars and learning resources for your company.
https://aahomecare.wufoo.com/forms/zamscwe0u3biso/
One survey participant will be chosen at random to receive a $250 gift card!
We extended our education survey until tomorrow, September 22 to ensure all HME stakeholders can participate. Share your input on which educational tracks would be most beneficial to your company, pain points, and challenges that we could address with our curriculum.
Click below to start the survey!
A recent nationwide HME survey by AAHomecare indicated that companies are looking for more education and resource tools to strengthen their business operations and strategy. We encourage you to participate in this survey to help shape the educational curriculum being developed to address challenges....
"The timing of this new legislation couldn't be better, with more than 200 meetings with members of Congress set for tomorrow [Sept. 20] via our Virtual Washington Legislative Conference," said our CEO, Tom Ryan.
The introduction of the DMEPOS Relief Act is great news for our HME community! This new legislation would provide much needed relief for suppliers with 90/10 blended rates for most home medical equipment products. Read more about it below!
The Education Survey has been extended to Friday, Sept 22. Your feedback is requested - please take 5 minutes to fill this out: https://aahomecare.wufoo.com/forms/zamscwe0u3biso/
"Nearly 250 HME professionals nationwide shared their business pain points in a recent Industry survey, revealing critical challenges impacting business operations, personnel, payer dynamics, and claims-related issues."
In response, we're developing an expanded educational platform to tackle these issues -- don't miss the opportunity to share your input in our survey before it closes tomorrow. Click below to fill it out!
A recent nationwide HME survey by AAHomecare indicated that companies are looking for more education and resource tools to strengthen their business operations and strategy. We encourage you to participate in this survey to help shape the educational curriculum being developed to address challenges....
"ALS is one of the hardest things to watch a person die from, let alone having to fight for their breath, "said an ALS patient's daughter.
Private insurers have been delaying and outright denying non-invasive ventilators (NIVs) for ALS patients.
Read more about this pressing issue below.
Accessing insurance coverage for durable medical equipment is critical for people with ALS. However, too many private insurers either refuse to cover or set up insurmountable barriers for patients.
"What many suppliers are not aware of is that if an overpayment is identified, either internally or externally, are mandated by law to perform a six-year lookback audit. If suppliers do not comply with this rule, they are at risk for false claim penalties."
Register for our webinar below to learn all about the Affordable Care Act's 60-day overpayment rule and six-year lookback audits!
AAHomecare
"Advocacy helps legislators understand the challenges you face, allowing you to work together for a solution." We're calling on all HME leaders to register for our Virtual Washington Legislative Conference happening in just six days.
Don't miss the opportunity to make your voice heard -- register below!
AAHomecare
"The Affordable Care Act includes the 60-day overpayment rule that requires DME suppliers to refund overpayments within 60 days of identification. What many suppliers are not aware of is that if an overpayment is identified, either internally or externally, suppliers are mandated by law to perform a six-year lookback audit. If suppliers do not comply with this rule, they are at risk for false claim penalties."
Register for our webinar to learn more about how this rule and the six-year lookback obligation impacts suppliers.
Register below!
AAHomecare
"Council work groups shared advocacy tools addressing cost increases for multiple product categories, discussed trending issues impacting oral nutrition, intermittent catheters, and other product categories, provided various progress updates on 2023 Council goals, and learned the latest on AAHomecare's legislative, regulatory, and payer efforts."
Over 60 members of the Medical Supplies Council met this week to address key developments in the disposable supply space. Learn more by clicking below!
AAHomecare
"Working to build support for this measure has been a priority for our Association and other mobility stakeholders. We appreciate Congressman Joyce introducing this legislation, and Congresswoman Michelle Steel (R-CA) for joining it as an original co-sponsor, in advance of our virtual legislative conference later this month, giving our advocates a chance to build support for the bill," said our president and CEO, Tom Ryan.
Legislation introduced late Friday in the House of Representative will increase patient access to a broader selection of carbon fiber and titanium wheelchairs. Read more about the legislation below!
Our upcoming webinar, presented by Jeffrey S. Baird, Esq. and Denise Leard, Esq. of Brown Furtado will discuss:
1. The 60-day overpayment rule and six-year audit obligation.
2. Steps suppliers can take to reduce the risk of being subjected to the 60-day overpayment rule.
3. Tips to successfully fulfill obligations under the new rule.
Don't miss out on the opportunity to learn all about these intricacies. Register below!
AAHomecare
"Survey insights will be shared with legislators and payers to solicit support for our advocacy priorities, including extending the Medicare 75/25 rate relief set to expire in January."
We need your help gathering as many insights from HME providers as possible. Fill out the survey below before it's set to close!
"It is our obligation to educate and elevate our members, helping them run their businesses more effectively and efficiently," said Josh Marx, chairman of our board and CEO of Medical Service Company, "and we must get more proactively engaged with all non-governmental payers (and TPA-types), so we're viewed as the subject matter experts on DMEPOS – nobody else."
We narrowed down our strategic priorities from 14 to 3 and are working hard to become more patient-focused as we address policy changes. Read more about our efforts below!
WASHINGTON – A clear frontrunner for one of AAHomecare’s top strategic priorities for the next few years is elevating the HME industry’s brand and value proposition, says President and CEO Tom Ryan.
One more day left to register for the Washington Legislative Conference. Make sure your voice is heard!
https://www.aahomecare.org/events/2/washington-legislati
"No past advocacy experience required! The most important thing is to educate legislators on the impact of these cuts for their constituents and the need to take action." Join the Washington Legislative Conference to advocate against significant cuts on current Medicare 75/25 blended relief rates slated to take effect January 1st, 2024.
Register below!
AAHomecare
Help AAHomecare quantify the cost pressures HME providers are facing and the need for sustainable reimbursement by sharing your insights in the ongoing market impact survey! Survey closes Friday, Sept. 8: https://aahomecare.checkbox.com/hme-market-impact-survey-2023
"Instead of completely doing away with the prior authorization review, UHC should work with the HME community to identify other ways to decrease the volume of prior authorization reviews; one such way would be removing prior authorization review for repairs performed on any medically necessary patient-owned equipment."
United Healthcare issued a bulletin last month planning to remove HCPCs from the prior authorization review list that could potentially hurt HME providers.
Stay informed by clicking below!
On Sept. 1 and Nov. 1, 2023, we’ll remove the prior authorization requirement for several procedure codes.
"Despite the best advocacy of ALS clinicians, some insurers are dangerously delaying or denying care. This situation is urgent -- and we plan to meet with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to ask that they take action."
If you or your loved one has experienced these delays or denials, please fill out the form below to make your story known!
ALS advocates lead the fight to defeat ALS. You can lead us closer to a world without ALS by joining the dedicated network of ALS advocates nation-wide. As an ALS advocate, you can help change the laws and policies that affect thousands of people living with ALS and their families.
Join us in advocating for crucial legislative changes that can shape the future of our industry. Let's unite to extend non-CBA/non-rural relief, enhance rates in former CBAs, and make competitive bidding rounds more effective.
You can make a difference without leaving your hometown. Let's secure sustainable reimbursements and protect access to care. Register below!
AAHomecare
Don't miss out on the opportunity to submit your application to become a speaker at next year's Medtrade Expo + Conference. Share your story, and expertise with your peers as a solo speaker, collaborative team, or panel!
Click below to start your application!
Deadline: Friday, March 30 Medtrade, in collaboration with the Educational Advisory Board (EAB), is announcing a call for speakers for the 2022 Medtrade East Conference being held October 24-26
"This webinar will (i) discuss the 60-day overpayment rule and the six-year lookback obligation; (ii) discuss steps that suppliers can take to reduce the risk of being subjected to the 60-day overpayment rule; and (iii) set out the steps the supplier should take to successfully fulfill its obligations under the rule."
Register below to learn all about the Affordable Care Act's 60-day overpayment rule!
AAHomecare
"This past year, each quarterly update showed about a 1%-2% decrease, but this past quarter's data showed a 7% decrease. We now estimate there are currently 8,180 traditional Medicare DMEPOS locations across the country. "
There has been an approximate 37% decrease in traditional DME supplier locations since 2013 -- we need your support to slow this decline.
Check out our state-specific results of supplier locations nation-wide below!
"Those who provide home oxygen equipment, CPAP devices, and/or hospital beds to end users in a home-based setting are encouraged to take this survey by Friday, 9/8." Participating in this survey helps us capture real-world market pressures on the increased costs of products, labor, and deliveries -- and gives us powerful intel as we engage with Congress!
Fill out the survey below!
"We need more HME advocates to answer the call this year to build support for S. 1294 to further extend non-CBA/non-rural relief, to advocate for boosting rates in former CBAs, and to ensure that any new competitive bidding rounds will include hard-won improvements to the process our industry has fought for."
Register for our Washington Legislative Conference coming up in just three weeks to show your support!
AAHomecare
"If there's no other option – this patient can't tolerate the bi-level and they meet the coverage criteria – why is this authorization being denied?" Our senior director of payer relations, David Chandler, commented.
ALS patients are being denied essential NIV devices that they need to breathe at an absurd rate of 86% under Medicare Advantage Plans. Read more below.
WASHINGTON – With an “absurd” denial rate as high as 86% for non-invasive ventilators for one major Medicare Advantage plan, industry stakeholders are collaborating with patient advocacy groups to
Great news on Medicare coverage updates: power seat elevation on power wheelchair is now covered!
Speakers at the forefront of the industry will guide us through the intricacies of this update:
-Alexis Ward, Sr. Director of Payer Relations, AAHomecare
-Noel Neil, JM., CDME, VP of Auditing and Corporate Compliance, ACU-Serve
-Seth Johnson, SVP of Government Affairs, Pride Mobility Products
Register below!
AAHomecare
"We urge providers to raise awareness at UHC about this time-sensitive matter. This policy is effective in 2 weeks, so your quick action is needed." On August 1st, United Healthcare issued a bulletin detailing a plan to reduce the volume of prior authorization reviews by removing a number of HCPs from their review list effective September 1st.
Read it below!
On Sept. 1 and Nov. 1, 2023, we’ll remove the prior authorization requirement for several procedure codes.
Our sponsors help make advocacy a success - thank you to our 2023 Virtual Washington Legislative Conference sponsors.
Register now to ensure the best slate of meetings: https://www.aahomecare.org/events/2/washington-legislati
"Ashley is a dynamic leader who combines strategic thinking, persuasive communication, and advocacy prowess with an infectious passion for our industry and those we serve. Our Board leadership enthusiastically supported our recommendation to have Ashley take on this major undertaking, and her colleagues on the AAHomecare team are already familiar with the energy, creative thinking, and follow-through she brings to this new role."
We're happy to have Ashley Plauché as Senior Director of Brand Marketing! Stay tuned on our latest news!
Receive updates to pieces of legislation impacting the Homecare Industry by reading the AAHomecare Blog.
Join us for a complimentary webinar on Power Seat Elevation: Unlocking Key Insights & Future Steps for Effective Coverage, featuring industry experts:
- Alexis Ward, Sr. Director of Payer Relations, AAHomecare
- Noel Neil, JM., CDME, VP of Auditing and Corporate Compliance, ACU-Serve
- Seth Johnson, SVP of Government Affairs, Pride Mobility Products
They will dive deep into new Medicare power seat elevation coverage, outlining effective coverage criteria. Register below!
AAHomecare
"Collaborating with a VGM Insurance expert is akin to having an ace up your sleeve, but instead of a card, it's an immensely knowledgeable expert in your industry!" We are excited to welcome VGM Insurance to the team and offer our members exclusive savings opportunities. Learn more about them below!
The U.S. Medical Compression Alliance is asking individuals who provide fitting services for Lymphedema compression garments (e.g. measurements, product assessment and fit, education for donning/doffing, or wear/care) to take a quick survey that will help inform their comments to CMS on payment policies for gradient compression items and fitting services.
Complete the survey below before Friday, August 11th!
CMS is asking for public comments to finalize the proposed rule on the Lymphedema Treatment Act. Your feedback is important, and filling out a short survey will help CMS determine appropriate payment policies for providing patients with the necessary medical garments and services.
On August 7th, CMS published their Calendar Year 2024 Physician Payment Proposed Rule, which includes provider enrollment provisions that impact providers and suppliers enrolled in Medicare, state Medicaid programs, and Children's Insurance Program (CHIP). Read our summary below to stay informed on these changes!
"For some products, including CPAP devices, O2 concentrators, and manual wheelchairs, the cuts will range well over 40%. "We need your advocacy to support our S. 1294 efforts. Reach out to your senators to co-sponsor the bill! Tips on contacting your senators can be found below!
AAHomecare
“I encourage all AAH members to get involved with AAH initiatives as I’ve seen first-hand the impact we can have on the HME industry by working together on developing advocacy tools to help educate payors on the importance of having sustainable reimbursement rates,” emphasizes Enteral Work Group Co-Chair, Kristina McIntosh of Schraders’ Medical Supply.
We conducted a nationwide survey, gathering real-world data about current cost-increases and translated key insights into powerful infographics. Check them out below!
Great news for AAHomecare Members! VGM Insurance has launched a new Workers' Compensation program, just for you. VGM Insurance Services’ Proprietary Workers’ Compensation Program provides HMEs with a competitively priced solution to protect their employees and their business.
You can trust VGM Insurance for Liability, Professional Liability and Workers’ Comp, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing you're protected beyond your polices.
Learn more today - https://www.vgminsurance.com/aah
Calling all industry leaders nationwide! Come together virtually, right from your home or office, to champion vital legislative causes. We're pushing for extended non-CBA/non-rural relief, enhanced rates in former CBAs, and improvements to upcoming competitive bidding rounds. Your participation counts! Secure your spot today at our virtual Washington Legislative Meeting. Register below!
AAHomecare
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As the foremost national association leading the charge on policy and advocacy for our industry, AAHomecare is fighting for your interests on Capitol Hill and at CMS.
We are adding to our portfolio of expertise, services, and strategies for assisting members and moving the home medical equipment industry forward. New initiatives within our Councils are focusing on solutions to problems members have expressed, honing in on technology, Medicaid, and even quality standards initiatives.
Do something for your business and your industry; become a member of AAHomecare today. This year alone, 262 Congressional visits were made during the Washington Legislative Conference, 54,000 e-mails were sent to Members of Congress through the Action Center, and 154 House members endorsed rural reimbursement relief thanks to grassroots advocacy.
When we speak with one voice, good things happen!
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