This article is sponsored by the Board of Certification/Accreditation. In this Voices interview, Home Medical Equipment Business sits down with Matt Gruskin, MBA, BOCO, BOCPD, CDME, Chief Operating Officer at the Board of Certification/Accreditation, to discuss how CMS’s Final Rule could reshape the HME landscape. Gruskin shares key takeaways for providers, outlines what steps organizations can take now to stay ahead, and explains how accreditation can serve as a stabilizing force during times of policy change. He also shares his outlook on what will define the next era of growth and resilience in the HME sector.
HME Business: What life and career experiences have most shaped how you approach your work today?
Matt Gruskin: My experience spans clinical care, practice management, and corporate leadership, giving me a comprehensive understanding of how different parts of the health care ecosystem connect. That blend shapes my approach: practical, patient-centered, and focused on helping providers navigate change with clarity and confidence.
What are the key takeaways from CMS’s final rule, and why should HME providers be paying close attention as we approach January 1, 2026?
CMS’s final rule represents one of the most significant updates to DME regulation and reimbursement in recent years. These changes affect supplier enrollment, documentation expectations, payment methodologies, and compliance requirements—meaning providers will experience operational impacts beginning January 1, 2026.
The sheer volume of feedback, nearly a million public comments—underscores the rule’s far-reaching implications. Providers should take time now to evaluate how their processes, staffing, documentation, and financial planning may need to shift in response.
During this period of transition, accrediting organizations (AO) play an important role. BOC closely monitors regulatory changes and helps providers interpret how new requirements align with accreditation standards. Your AO should be a trusted partner, helping you stay compliant, prepared, and confident as the rule takes effect.
How might the finalized rule affect the financial stability and day-to-day operations of HME providers?
Regulatory changes can create financial uncertainty, especially for smaller or independent providers. Updates to reimbursement structures, documentation expectations, and supplier responsibilities may introduce new administrative burdens or revenue pressures.
Competitive Bidding is a key area of concern. Providers may lose access to product categories in their Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) if they do not win a contract, affecting long-standing patient relationships and reducing access in underserved communities. If patients cannot find a supplier, they may delay care or abandon treatment altogether, increasing health risks.
Competitive Bidding may also result in lower long-term reimbursement rates. Providers should evaluate the needs of their communities and referral sources to identify non-bid product categories that can fill gaps in revenue and service.
What can providers do now to prepare for a more value-driven and outcomes-based environment?
The HME sector is increasingly expected to demonstrate measurable outcomes, consistent service quality, and operational transparency. Preparing for this shift begins with strong documentation, staff training, and systems that support quality data collection.
A practical first step is to begin tracking one patient outcome metric—something relevant to your services and meaningful to your referral partners. Even small-scale outcomes tracking differentiates providers and helps build credibility with payers.
HME organizations must move beyond the “commodity distributor” mindset and embrace their role as part of the patient care team. Demonstrating outcomes, even at a basic level, positions providers for stronger partnerships, more referrals, and long-term success in a value-driven environment.
How does accreditation help providers adapt to regulatory or policy shifts like those in the CMS final rule?
Accreditation provides a structured, standards-based framework that helps organizations stay aligned with CMS expectations. Accrediting organizations offer timely communication when policies change, helping providers stay informed without having to interpret complex updates alone.
Because accreditation standards mirror CMS requirements, accredited facilities naturally maintain stronger documentation, operational consistency, and compliance readiness. BOC’s standards are intentionally aligned with CMS—not burdened with unnecessary add-ons—making it easier for providers to adapt when regulations evolve.
What steps can HME providers take today to remain agile and prepared for what’s next?
Staying agile starts with staying informed. Providers should lean on trusted partners—like their accrediting organization—to help interpret regulatory updates and understand what changes mean in practical, day-to-day terms. From there, agility is really about preparation: keeping compliance policies current, strengthening documentation practices, ensuring staff are well-trained, and maintaining clear communication with patients and referral sources.
Financial awareness also matters. Regularly reviewing budgets, reimbursement trends, and audit readiness can help providers anticipate challenges before they become disruptions. And finally, tracking even a few performance or patient-care metrics can help organizations understand what’s working and where to adjust.
BOC is committed to being a resource through all of this—offering guidance, interpretation, and support so providers feel confident navigating whatever comes next.
In 2026, the HME landscape will be defined by…
The industry’s ability to deliver measurable patient outcomes—not just products. Providers who embrace their role as part of the care team, not commodity distributors, will be best positioned for success. The operational and reimbursement ripple effects of the CMS final rule will also shape patient access and quality of care, business models, and long-term sustainability.
Editor’s note: This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
For more than 40 years, the Board of Certification/Accreditation (BOC) has offered highly valued credentials in the fields of orthotics and prosthetics (O&P) and durable medical equipment (DME). BOC offers accreditation for O&P practices, pharmacies and DME providers and certifications for orthotic fitters, mastectomy fitters and DME specialists. BOC certified practitioners and accredited providers are included as qualified providers and providers, respectively, in the Social Security Act, as amended by the Benefits Improvement and Protection Act of 2000 (BIPA).
BOC is acclaimed for award-winning innovation, thought leadership and customer service, earning international recognition with twelve Stevie Awards. Both the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Department of Veterans Affairs accept BOC credentials as meeting their standards. Learn more at bocusa.org
The Voices Series is a sponsored content program featuring leading executives discussing trends, topics and more shaping their industry in a question-and-answer format. For more information on Voices, please contact [email protected].