The Round 2021 bids show increases for lead items in most areas compared to the 2020 fee schedule, while bids for non-lead items show mixed results. CMS opted not to award contracts for 13 categories in late October.
Effort aims to track how suppliers’ costs have changed during events such as COVID-19, which is important given that DMEPOS rates are essentially frozen at 2016 levels. Deadline is Feb. 5.
Association has posted a quick online survey to gauge what the industry would like to do for the event. Deadline is Jan. 29.
Under the new “block grant” waiver, the Tennessee Medicaid program will be able to service patients with less federal oversight. CMS approved the waiver for 10 years.
Association suggested various alterations to the proposed rule released in November, including how rates for former CBAs and non-rural non-CBAs should be calculated.
- By David Kopf
- Dec 22, 2020
House and Senate overwhelmingly voted to pass the second relief package of the year, which includes two key HME industry provisions.
- By David Kopf
- Dec 22, 2020
The association is urging HME stakeholders to tell their Senators this week to extend the pause the CARES Act placed on Medicare’s longstanding 2 percent sequestration cut.
- By David Kopf
- Dec 17, 2020
While there are some slight ups and downs, analysis from AAHomecare shows next year’s DMEPOS fee schedule aligns with expectations and reflects the changes made due to COVID-19.
- By David Kopf
- Dec 17, 2020
Providers urged to call on GOP Senators to extend the pause on 2% sequester cuts through the duration of the public health emergency.
- By David Kopf
- Dec 10, 2020
A shrewd business leader and HME pioneer, ‘Mal’ Mixon’s life was marked by tireless industry advocacy efforts and dedication to the ideal of ‘making life’s experiences possible.’
- By David Kopf
- Dec 01, 2020
Editor's Note
If CMS's decision to punt on 13 categories left you feeling left out in Limbo, it's good news. Sort of.
- By David Kopf
- Dec 01, 2020
Providers that submitted bids can now see their financial scores to see how they rated and to use the information for future rounds.
- By David Kopf
- Nov 19, 2020
Group, which includes VGM Live at Home, lines up a variety of priorities designed to help seniors continue living safely and healthily at home, during COVID-19 PHE and beyond.
- By David Kopf
- Nov 12, 2020
The decision to punt on 13 categories might leave some providers feeling a little in Limbo, but AAHomecare’s Tom Ryan stresses the industry should notch this as a ‘W.’ That said, some rough edges remain and there’s still work to do.
- By David Kopf
- Nov 05, 2020
Nov. 2 webinar will provide information on CMS's recent announcement regarding Round 2021 of competitive bidding.
- By David Kopf
- Oct 29, 2020
Proposed rule covers various provisions, including continuing rural relief and removing manual CRT wheelchairs and accessories from bidding. Public comments will be due Jan. 3.
- By David Kopf
- Oct 28, 2020
Agency only awards contracts for off-the-shelf back and knees braces, leaving the industry guessing on the exact fate of nearly all remaining categories.
- By David Kopf
- Oct 28, 2020
Annual Advisory Board Roundtable
While Round 2021 is an unknown, the industry can focus on the grassroots effort to build support for legislation extending rural and non-bid area relief, as well as protecting oxygen funding.
Oct. 29 online event gives participants the opportunity to catch-up while driving support for the ITEM coalition.
- By David Kopf
- Oct 15, 2020
Annual Advisory Board Roundtable
The next round of competitive bidding is just around the corner, but the industry has experienced complete radio silence.
- By Cara Bachenheimer
- Oct 13, 2020