As more deadlines approach for government spending packages, the American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare) and other industry leaders are urging stakeholders to keep advocating for extended 75/25 blended-rate relief for home medical equipment for Medicare beneficiaries.
In a Feb. 21 bulletin, AAHomecare noted that funding for the Department of Health & Human Services is subject to a March 8 deadline.
The association sent out an additional bulletin the afternoon of Fri., Feb. 23, to urge advocates to start calling healthcare staffers in the House and Senate immediately and over the weekend.
“Our contacts on Capitol Hill are telling us that our 75/25 blended rate provisions are not yet securely in the next government spending package,” the Feb. 23 bulletin said. “Negotiations on the final shape of the legislation are expected to continue through the weekend, so we need you to take action today and through the weekend.”
As for what message advocates can share, AAHomecare said, “Ask that the Senator/Representative reach out to leadership in their respective chambers in support of including DMEPOS relief in non-rural areas among healthcare provisions in the next government funding legislative package,” the latest bulletin said. “You can also note that cuts have already taken effect and share how they are impacting your ability to support your patients.”
AAHomecare encouraged advocates to share data from an analysis of funding cuts for 25 major HCPCS codes when reaching out to their representatives and senators.
For example, the 2024 non-rural reimbursement rate for full-face PAP masks fell 19.4% vs. the 2023 non-rural reimbursement rate. The reimbursement for oxygen concentrators fell 25.5%. Reimbursement for power wheelchair batteries fell 8.4%, while the reimbursement for low air-loss mattresses fell 38.1%.
Advocates can also continue to use the Voter Voice tool to send messages to their elected officials. The Voter Voice page includes a pre-written letter that advocates can modify to include personal experiences.
AAHomecare said more than 5,000 Voter Voice messages have been sent so far in support of extending the 75/25 reimbursement relief.
