The Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) has begun sending emails and letters to suppliers who provide continuous glucose monitors (CGM) — and the American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare) is urging suppliers to be lookout for such correspondence.
In an April 29 bulletin, AAHomecare said the HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) is reaching out to a sampling of CGM suppliers as part of an OIG 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 costs and other prices available to consumers,” the AAHomecare announcement said. “The OIG’s request for information on acquisition costs by suppliers will identify potential areas where Medicare can optimize savings.
“In the announcement of the report originally posted in the OIG’s Work Plan in November 2023, the OIG noted CMS allowed more than $1.1 billion in Medicare Part B payments for CGMs and sensors in 2022. If the OIG identifies opportunities for Medicare to realize cost savings, CMS has the authority to either introduce CGMs into the competitive bidding program or exercise their authority of inherent reasonableness to adjust Medicare payments accordingly.”
AAHomecare is encouraging CGM suppliers to watch for correspondence from the OIG and to respond promptly, if chosen to participate in the study.
“CGM suppliers who are recipients of the OIG requests have likely been notified via email,” the association said. “AAHomecare recommends suppliers diligently monitor their email and mail correspondence for any communication from the OIG. It is imperative for suppliers who have received such requests to promptly respond within the specified timeframe to facilitate the OIG’s analysis.”
AAHomecare is also asking CGM suppliers who have been contacted by the OIG to email the association’s Senior Director of Regulatory Affairs, Mina Uehara: minau@aahomecare.org.
