While HME advocates can be proud of persistent advocacy efforts that resulted in tangible, substantial relief that will pay off in 2023,
After securing key reimbursement provisions on the omnibus spending package passed at the end of 2022, the American Association for Homecare has formally outlined its objectives for 2023.
This week, AAHomecare Executive Committee approved the following Federal policy priorities for this year:
- Further extend (or make permanent) 75/25 blended non-rural, non-CBA Medicare reimbursement rates. These rates influence other payers who peg reimbursements based on these rates, including Medicaid rates in 21 states as well as TRICARE rates.
- Continue to advocate for 90/10 blended Medicare rates in CBAs; introduce House and Senate legislation.
- Work with Congress to encourage CMS to provide clarity on their plans for the Competitive Bidding (CB) program. “If CMS indicates it plans to move forward, we will work with Congress on legislation that would codify into law important guardrails that are currently in place, including clearing price methodology and using the unadjusted fee schedule as bid ceiling,” an association statement explained. “If the CB moves forward, we will work with Congress to require CMS to accept higher rates if that is the result of the bidding process.”
- Maintaining coverage for oxygen and continuous glucose monitor (CGM) patients granted under relaxed PHE requirements beyond the end of the PHE.
- Work with Congress on oversight and transparency of Medicare Advantage plans to ensure Medicare beneficiaries have the same access to care as in Part B.
- Work with Congress and industry stakeholders on legislation to establish oxygen criteria via critical data elements (CDE).
- Work with CMS and Congress to prevent the competitive bidding program from expanding to include CGM, ostomy, and urological products.
- Work with Congress on legislation to include titanium/carbon fiber upgrades for mobility products as a Medicare benefit.
- Monitor Federal legislation on “right to repair” issues and potential impacts on mobility providers, manufacturers, and patients.
“Delivering on such an ambitious Federal policy agenda will require the continued investment of veteran HME advocacy leaders, as well as educating and mobilizing more HME stakeholders and allies to add their voice to our efforts to deliver better policies for our industry,” a statement from the association read. “The AAHomecare team looks forward to working with you to bring home more wins for HME in 2023 and beyond.”
