American Association for Homecare

12/23/2022

AAHomecare wishes you all a wonderful holiday season!

12/22/2022

Councils

AAHomecare's Advisory Councils are comprised of volunteers who tackle a wide range of HME and DME issues, from policy to best practices for providers. Earlier this month, our Regulatory Council met for its final session of 2022, tackling a wide range of timely priorities. You can learn more about our Councils here:

AAHomecare

12/21/2022

DME23-A | CMS

HME and DME providers should be aware that CMS published the 2023 Medicare DMEPOS fee schedule last week. Our analysis of the top 25 DME items shows average rate increases for CBP items in former CBAs, rural, and non-rural areas compared to the rates currently in place. Download the full fee schedule:

There were no updates to the DMEPOS Rural ZIP code file for Quarter 1, 2023. Note regarding coverage and payment indicators for codes in CMS’ HCPCS Update and DMEPOS Fee Schedule Files:

12/21/2022

Omnibus Legislation Proposal Includes CARES Relief Extension and PAYGO Waiver

"The relief granted for non-rural/non-CBA suppliers, taken with the 50/50 blended rate in rural areas granted to rural suppliers by CMS in the 2021 DMEPOS Final Rule, will impact bottom lines for a large swath of the industry." We just released a breaking news alert with some incredible news: Congressional leaders released a draft of their omnibus legislation that includes huge wins for the HME and DME community:

Wide-ranging legislation extends 75/25 blended Medicare rate for non-CBA/non-rural suppliers through the end of 2023, prevents across-the-board 4% Medicare cuts for 2023 and 2024, and continues telehealth waivers.

12/16/2022

www.aahomecare.org

Between sustained inflation and Medicare reimbursement rates that fail to account for the increased cost of doing business, market realities for HME and DME providers across the country have changed dramatically over the past few years. Share our updated letter with your payers about the facts on the ground:

12/16/2022

Ask Your Legislators to Support Medicare Reimbursement Relief in Year-End Omnibus Legislation

It's coming down to the wire on Congress' year-end omnibus package, and we're working around the clock to secure support for critical HME and DME measures in the bill, such as provisions from H.R. 6641, extended CARES Act relief, and stopping PAYGO cuts. There's still time to urge your representatives to support these critical priorities with our online advocacy form!

Congress is currently crafting a year-end omnibus bill which will include language to extend the debt ceiling and keep the government funded.As leadership on key committees of jurisdictions negotiate on what measures to include in omnibus...

12/14/2022

AAHomecare Highlights Changes to Oxygen LCD

Attention oxygen providers: Recently, CMS altered its Local Coverage Determination (LCD) that will go into effect on January 1. AAHomecare released an overview of these changes to help suppliers navigate the changing marketplace. Take a look at HomeCare Magazine's article on it here:

WASHINGTON (December 2, 2022)—The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services have published a new Oxygen and Oxygen Equipment LCD and related

12/14/2022

Registration and Pricing | Medtrade

There are only two days left to save over 40% on your Medtrade Dallas conference passes! From fundraisers that help us achieve our critical goals on Capitol Hill to educational panels with the industry's foremost experts, it's not an event you'll want to miss. Check out pricing details here, and get your tickets today!

Registration is now closed.

12/14/2022

mcusercontent.com

On Capitol Hill, we're making the case for Congress to support measures that would extend CARES Act relief for DME providers beyond the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency. With inflation remaining high, suppliers need this vital relief to deliver for patients. Check out our issue brief below, and email your representatives if you have not done so already!

12/09/2022

AAHomecare: Keep Up the Pressure -- HME Business

"As Congress quickly approaches the deadline to extend the debt ceiling, the American Association for Homecare called on HME providers to contact their Senators and Representatives in support of adding Medicare reimbursement relief for DME to any year-end budget legislation." Always great to see our efforts on Capitol Hill getting coverage -- check out the full piece in HME Business, which includes a link to our advocacy site where you can send a message directly to your representatives:

With the clock ticking, association urges HME providers to tell their Senators and Representatives to include critical DME reimbursement provisions in any year-end omnibus spending legislation.

12/09/2022

AAHomecare

Our legal experts at Brown & Fortunato are always ready to provide members of the homecare community with digestible information on the rules and regulations governing the industry. There's still time to reserve a spot for another excellent webinar on December 13, where we'll cover the ACA's overpayment rules and six-year lookback audits!

AAHomecare

12/07/2022

Ask Your Legislators to Support Medicare Reimbursement Relief in Year-End Omnibus Legislation

Congress' year-end spending package represents an unparalleled opportunity to ensure that HME and DME providers receive Medicare reimbursement rates that reflect the increased cost of business. With the December 16 deadline for the bill looming, we need all hands on deck -- use our grassroots advocacy site to send your representative a message today!

Congress is currently crafting a year-end omnibus bill which will include language to extend the debt ceiling and keep the government funded.As leadership on key committees of jurisdictions negotiate on what measures to include in omnibus...

12/07/2022

LCD - Oxygen and Oxygen Equipment (L33797)

Staying abreast of federal regulations and guidance is crucial for homecare providers to stay competitive and deliver quality products for patients. Last month, CMS released their new Oxygen and Oxygen Equipment Local Coverage Determination (LCD), which takes effect 1/1/2023. Read the full set of rules here:

Use this page to view details for the Local Coverage Determination for Oxygen and Oxygen Equipment.

12/06/2022

Registration and Pricing | Medtrade

Medtrade registration is now open! Get your conference pass before December 16 for just $125, 41% off the next round’s rates! It's the premier educational, networking, and fundraising event for homecare stakeholders -- we hope to see you there in Dallas from March 28-30. More information on pricing can be found here:

Registration is now closed.

12/02/2022

Home - Medtrade

As we approach the new year, it’s time to get ready for the next Medtrade conference from March 28-30 in Dallas! The new once-a-year format still features networking opportunities, educational panels, and awesome HME and DME fundraising events. Registration opens later this month -- read more here:

Find the Latest HME Technology & Products at Medtrade Medtrade is the largest home medical equipment trade show and conference in the US

12/01/2022

HME Issues in the Spotlight at Medicaid Directors Conference

"Tsai spoke about the need for better metrics to ensure Medicaid beneficiaries are getting access to the care they need.” We just published an article with highlights from the National Association of Medicaid Directors Conference, held in November. Read the full piece here!

AAHomecare

11/30/2022

Ask Your Legislators to Support Medicare Reimbursement Relief in Year-End Omnibus Legislation

PAYGO legislation that cuts Medicare spending is the wrong way to go about balancing the budget. That’s why we stand in strong opposition to PAYGO in Congress’ final omnibus package of the year. Use our grassroots advocacy site to urge your representative to oppose these cuts, and support a series of other provisions that would deliver critical support for providers:

Congress is currently crafting a year-end omnibus bill which will include language to extend the debt ceiling and keep the government funded.As leadership on key committees of jurisdictions negotiate on what measures to include in omnibus...

11/29/2022

Ask Your Legislators to Support Medicare Reimbursement Relief in Year-End Omnibus Legislation

Leadership members on key committees are still negotiating Congress’ year-end omnibus spending package. This bill represents a critical opportunity to secure increased reimbursement rates for DME providers across the country, especially those in non-rural areas without Consolidated Billing (CB). Make your voice heard today using our grassroots advocacy form!

Congress is currently crafting a year-end omnibus bill which will include language to extend the debt ceiling and keep the government funded.As leadership on key committees of jurisdictions negotiate on what measures to include in omnibus...

11/29/2022

AAHomecare

While most homecare suppliers understand the ACA’s 60-day overpayment rules, many are unaware that just one overpayment requires a company to perform a lookback audit stretching back a full six years. That’s why we're convening top experts to deliver an educational webinar for providers on December 13 -- those interested can sign up here:

AAHomecare

11/24/2022

Wising the HME Community a very Happy Thanksgiving!

11/23/2022

Medical Supplies Council

From wound care to enteral nutrition, medical supplies manufacturers are a bedrock of the homecare ecosystem and provide millions of patients with crucial support every day. That’s why our Medical Supplies Council recently gathered to strategize on numerous priorities related to disposable supplies, from addressing denials for Part A claims to opportunities for fair reimbursement. Learn more about the Council here!

AAHomecare

11/22/2022

mcusercontent.com

We’re especially glad to see CMS’ proposal to expand coverage of Continuous Glucose Monitoring technology in their recent Local Coverage Determination (LCD). But for suppliers to deliver for patients, they can’t be hindered by onerous documentation requirements -- check out our full comments to the agency here:

11/22/2022

Have you performed a six-year look back audit? This webinar will outline the 60-day overpayment rule and the six-year look back obligation. Register for the Dec 13 webinar: https://www.aahomecare.org/events/89/six-year-lookback-au

11/21/2022

mcusercontent.com

When the DMEPOS industry thrives, patients get the crucial care they need at a price they can afford. That’s why AAHomecare keeps a quarterly tracker of Medicare-registered suppliers across the country. Unfortunately, we’ve seen a 31% decrease in DME supplier locations since 2013. Now more than ever, Congress needs to pass fair reimbursement rates for providers to reverse the decline.

11/18/2022

Ask Your Legislators to Support Medicare Reimbursement Relief in Year-End Omnibus Legislation

Right now, key committee members in the House and Senate are negotiating Congress’ end-of-year omnibus package. The window to get our voices heard for crucial DME reimbursement relief is narrowing -- personalized outreach to healthcare staffers is always the ideal way to make your case. Alternatively, use our new Voter Voice grassroots advocacy website for a faster option:

Congress is currently crafting a year-end omnibus bill which will include language to extend the debt ceiling and keep the government funded.As leadership on key committees of jurisdictions negotiate on what measures to include in omnibus...

11/18/2022

mcusercontent.com

Earlier this month, we submitted comments to CMS’ Request for Information (RFI) on a wide range of topics, from healthcare access to the unique experience of our homecare stakeholders across the country. We highlighted the urgent need for reimbursement rates that reflect the increased cost of doing business, improvements for telehealth, and more. See the entire slate of comments in the document below:

11/17/2022

mcusercontent.com

We’re committed to ensuring that laws concerning DME and HME repairs don’t substantially raise operating costs for providers and reduce patient access to high-quality products. That’s why we joined NCART and HOMES to oppose S. 3136 in Massachusetts, which dramatically alters wheelchair warranty protections. Read our full letter below:

11/16/2022

Ask Your Legislators to Support Medicare Reimbursement Relief in Year-End Omnibus Legislation

Folks are understandably focused on the recent midterm election results, but HME and DME stakeholders also need to keep a firm eye on legislation. As Congress is set to pass a year-end omnibus bill to keep the government funded, we can score a big win through proposals that would deliver reimbursement support to homecare providers across the country. Learn more from our recent overview below, and reach out to your Senate and House members urging them to support these measures!

It is critical that the HME community make its collective voice heard in support of reimbursement relief in former CBAs and in non-rural, non-CB areas that reflects the market reality for suppliers.

11/15/2022

www.aahomecare.org

Glad to see HHS granting an extension to the official public health emergency once again. But HME and DME stakeholders are also relying on Congress to provide crucial relief through H.R. 6641. Learn more through our policy brief -- and urge your representative to support the bill if you haven’t already!

11/11/2022

Medtrade East Metrics: Bigger Show, More People -- HME Business

“It’s a positive trend that we believe will continue.” We’re delighted to see Medtrade continue to grow in scope and attendance. It’s a crucial fundraising and educational tool for HME providers that plays a big role for our goals in Washington. See you in Dallas next year!

After wrapping its final show in Atlanta, Medtrade East ran the numbers and found it saw sizable gains in square footage and attendees. The show is now prepping for its 2023 event in Dallas.

11/10/2022

Spotlight | CMS

We’ve been in close contact with CMS concerning the transition out of the official Public Health Emergency (PHE) and their plans for audits. We’re glad to learn that the agency won’t be focusing on waived claims -- read the full guidance here:

Spotlight Learn more about our recent work and accomplishments.

11/10/2022

Medicare needs to update its wheelchair coverage for the 21st century

“Seat elevation and standing systems don’t just improve wheelchair users’ physical health, but their mental health, too.” We’re dedicated to shedding light on the most pressing issues facing patients this Home Care Month. Check out this Stat News piece urging to update its wheelchair coverage:

It's inequitable that only privileged individuals can afford life-changing wheelchairs while most U.S. wheelchair users experience eminently preventable physical and mental health problems by using outmoded chairs.

11/10/2022

AAHomecare Update: Challenges, Priorities and Strategy -- HME Business

“Contacts on the Hill are expecting the 117th Congress will close 2022 with an omnibus legislative package that could support the bill’s provisions. The key is to drive co-sponsors for the bill before that time.” Read more about our advocacy at Medtrade East, including our steadfast suppport for H.R. 6641, which would provide vital relief for homecare businesses across the country:

The update from the national HME association’s panel of experts itemizes central agenda items for the industry when it comes to legislation, regulatory affairs and payer relations.

11/07/2022

AAHomecare

Tomorrow Nov. 8, we’re holding our webinar educating HME and DME providers on Medicare’s complex web of coding, coverage, and payment rules. Tune in as legal experts from Brown & Fortunato deliver valuable insight on this crucial topic! Registration is available here:

AAHomecare

11/04/2022

Don't Miss the AAHomecare Members Who are Exhibiting at Medtrade East!

A special word of thanks to the HME and DME businesses who came out to Atlanta and presented at Medtrade East! As a partner in the show, AAHomecare derives a large portion of our advocacy budget from Medtrade -- so it’s in everyone’s best interest to come out and show their support. You can find a full list of our members who exhibited below -- we hope to see you in Dallas next year!

AAHomecare

11/04/2022

Value of HME

During Home Care Month, our Payer Relations Council is proud to present the newest version of our Value of HME Brochure. This comprehensive resource is designed to aid providers in promoting the importance of home medical equipment to payers. Check out our videos, statistics, infographics, and more!

AAHomecare

11/03/2022

Fill | Attestation Statement - Indiana HME/DME Stabilization Grant Program

Providing relief for HME suppliers is always one of our top priorities, especially for those serving low-income patients through Medicaid. That's why we're so glad to see Indiana following in the footsteps of Ohio and Massachusetts, becoming the third state to offer a portion of their American Rescue Plan Act relief funds to providers working with Medicaid patients. If you're an Indiana supplier with at least $500 in Medicaid billings who works with the program, submit your attestation here by Nov. 18!

As identified in the IN FSSA Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Spend Plan, FSSA is dedicated to providing stabilization funding to support providers affected by the public health emergency and as an investment in building provider capacity. The Home and Durable Medical Equipment (HME/DME) Sta...

11/02/2022

AAHomecare

Those in the homecare industry need to thoroughly grasp Medicare rules on coding, coverage, and payment if they plan to deliver for patients and bring new, innovative products to market. This Home Care month, join our November 8 webinar with legal experts from Brown & Fortunato as they break down the complex web of regulations and offer invaluable guidance for HME and DME businesses across the country:

AAHomecare

11/02/2022

HME Leaders Push for Price Relief & More

November 1 marks the start of both Home Care Month and National Family Caregiver Month. It's a time for us to appreciate the enormous work and sacrifice that takes place across all facets of our homecare ecosystem. Read more about the incredible work of our leaders at last week's Medtrade East in Atlanta, where they advocated for common-sense measures that provide critical relief for providers:

ATLANTA (October 27, 2022)—The home medical equipment (HME) industry faces a wide range of questions as 2022 winds down, experts said at the latest Medtrade East expo and conference this week—including whether providers will get any relief from rising prices, what the November election will brin...

10/28/2022

AAHomecare Launches Diabetes Council

On October 13, our new Diabetes Council convened for a discussion on numerous top legislative priorities, like strategies for getting treatment to patients on continuous glucose monitoring therapy. The Council plans on submitting letters to CMS to address these issues of critical importance, especially as the Public Health Emergency is set to expire -- read more about the coalition here!

ARLINGTON, Va. (August 11, 2022)—In October, AAHomecare will host the first meeting of its newly formed Diabetes Council in Arlington, Virginia for key leaders in the diabetes market. The board of directors voted in July to establish this new council to meet the needs of member providers in this s...