https://www.hmenews.com/ en https://www.hmenews.com/article/vgm-names-new-billing-and-reimbursement-director WATERLOO, Iowa – VGM & Associates has appointed Stephanie Robinson, who has held leadership roles at Dynamic Healthcare Services, as director of billing and reimbursement. She will work closely with VGM members to improve reimbursement processes, address operational challenges and improve performance. “Billing and reimbursement are among the biggest operational pressures providers are managing today, and Stephanie brings the real-world experience to help our members work through those challenges more effectively,” said Tyler Mahncke, senior vice president of membership at VGM & Associates. “She understands the day-to-day realities of reimbursement and can help turn complexity into practical solutions that improve performance and support better patient care.” At DHS, Robinson served as chief compliance officer and quality assurance manager, overseeing compliance, contracts, credentialing and quality systems. She also held leadership positions at DASCO Home Medical Equipment, where she helped streamline authorization workflows through process standardization and automation.  “As billing and reimbursement pressures continue to intensify, our responsibility is to ensure members have the expertise, guidance, and resources they need not only for today’s challenges, but for what lies ahead,” said Lindy Tentinger, president of VGM & Associates. “Bringing Stephanie to VGM reflects our commitment to supporting providers now and in the future as they navigate an increasingly demanding reimbursement environment.” 2026-06-08T09:46:18-05:00 HME News Staff https://www.hmenews.com/article/vgm-names-new-billing-and-reimbursement-director#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/medtrade-seeks-speaking-proposals-for-2027-event FORT WORTH, Texas – Medtrade, in collaboration with its Educational Advisory Board (EAB), is accepting proposals for the 2027 Medtrade Conference scheduled for March 23-25, in Forth Worth, Texas. Show organizers seek proposals that deliver original, engaging and high-quality content focused on clinical expertise, industry trends and practical strategies. They say proposals that stand out include:New content: Presentations debuting at Medtrade 2027.Diverse perspectives: Sessions that inspire and educate through unique viewpoints.Interactive formats: Hands-on training, panels and discussions that actively engage attendees.Real-world insights: Peer-learning from providers sharing experiences and strategies.Broad educational levels: Sessions covering advanced, intermediate and beginner topics.Actionable takeaways: “How-to” education addressing timely industry challenges.Medtrade has provided a list of tracks and topics here. The deadline to submit a speaking proposal is July 17. 2026-06-08T09:42:19-05:00 HME News Staff https://www.hmenews.com/article/medtrade-seeks-speaking-proposals-for-2027-event#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/sba-to-host-cms-aahomecare-for-listening-session-on-competitive-bidding-program WASHINGTON – The Office of Advocacy within the U.S. Small Business Administration will host a virtual listening session on June 23 on the next round of Medicare’s competitive bidding program (CBP).The office stated:CMS believes the rule’s competitive bidding program supports its responsibility to prevent Medicare fraud, waste, and abuse by keeping unqualified providers out of the Medicare program. Advocacy seeks comments on alternative solutions from small business stakeholders.The listening session will take place via Microsoft Teams from 1-2 p.m. ET. The agenda:Welcome and introduction: Will Purcell, assistant chief counsel, Office of AdvocacyOverview of final rule: CMS staff & AAHomecareOpen discussionDuring a recent Hill day, stakeholders urged members of the House Committee on Small Business to hold CMS accountable for a new remote-item delivery (RID) framework for competitive bidding that they say will decimate small businesses.Register for the listening session here. 2026-06-08T09:40:00-05:00 HME News Staff https://www.hmenews.com/article/sba-to-host-cms-aahomecare-for-listening-session-on-competitive-bidding-program#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/lilly-s-investigational-glp-1-reduces-ahi-by-up-to-36-events-per-hour-in-osa-patients INDIANAPOLIS – Eli Lilly, the maker of Zepbound and Foundayo, has announced positive results from Phase 3 trials of retatrutide, an investigational GLP-1, showing substantial weight loss along with meaningful improvements across knee osteoarthritis pain, moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea, and Type 2 diabetes – common obesity-related conditions."Obesity drives more than 200 downstream diseases, yet we have historically treated those conditions one at a time and in silos," said Ania Jastreboff, M.D., Ph.D., professor of Medicine & Pediatrics (Endocrinology) at the Yale School of Medicine, director of the Yale Obesity Research Center (Y-Weight), and lead investigator. "In TRIUMPH-1 and TRANSCEND-T2D-1, treatment with retatrutide resulted in substantial weight reduction together with clinically meaningful improvements in glycemia, knee osteoarthritis pain, and obstructive sleep apnea, with many individuals reaching what are classified as healthy-range weight and normal blood sugar levels. These findings demonstrate what may be possible when we treat obesity and impact overall health, and what this could mean for people living with obesity and its related complications."The findings from TRIUMPH-1 and TRANSCEND-T2D-1 were presented at the American Diabetes Association (ADA) 86th Scientific Sessions, with TRANSCEND-T2D-1 results simultaneously published in The Lancet.TRIUMPH-1 included an overarching trial for adults with obesity and two nested basket trials: one for knee osteoarthritis pain and one for moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea. In addition to improving weight measures, retatrutide reduced apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) by up to 36.1 events per hour (60.6%) from a baseline of 58.6 events per hour in participants with moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea.Lilly is studying retatrutide in several Phase 3 clinical trials to evaluate its potential efficacy and safety in obesity and overweight with at least one weight-related medical problem:Type 2 diabetesKnee osteoarthritis painModerate-to-severe obstructive sleep apneaChronic low back painCardiovascular and renal outcomesMetabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease.Lilly says the initial TRIUMPH Phase 3 clinical development program is evaluating the safety and efficacy of retatrutide for the treatment of patients with obesity or overweight, moderate-to-severe OSA and obesity, and knee osteoarthritis pain across four global registrational trials. The program, which began in 2023, has enrolled more than 5,800 participants with additional results anticipated over the next year. 2026-06-08T09:38:58-05:00 HME News Staff https://www.hmenews.com/article/lilly-s-investigational-glp-1-reduces-ahi-by-up-to-36-events-per-hour-in-osa-patients#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/new-accreditation-cycle-raises-costs-burdens YARMOUTH, Maine – Home medical equipment (HME) providers who are preparing for resurvey and reaccreditation say CMS's move to an annual requirement adds significant administrative burden with little perceived benefit.Providers push back on annual requirementAs part of its final rule on the competitive bidding program, CMS began requiring all providers to undergo annual reaccreditation starting Jan. 1, 2026 – a shift from the previous three-year cycle.Providers say the change increases costs and staff time without improving program integrity.“We’re getting ready for it, but it is time consuming and costly,” said Craig Rae, president of Penrod Medical Equipment in Salisbury, N.C. “It adds no value whatsoever and does nothing to address waste, fraud and abuse.”The agency is providing a transition period where most providers may retain their current multi-year accreditation until it expires.‘Throwing the baby out with the bathwater’Some providers question whether the one-size-fits-all approach of the change is appropriate, particularly for smaller, independent businesses with established compliance track records.Jason Jones, president of Jones Medical Supply in Troy, Ala., is currently in the two-month window awaiting his survey.“The annual requirement is throwing the baby out with the bathwater,” he said. “(All the fraud efforts) appear to be aimed at international companies and not independents like us, yet you're going to enforce the same rule on everybody. It serves zero purpose for people like us who have proven to do things right.”Accreditation changes add complexityOthers say the reaccreditation process itself has become more complex, even before factoring in the new frequency. Of note: When CMS overhauled the accreditation process, the agency reinforced mandatory, 100% compliance with all standards at the time of the onsite survey.Chris Collins, general manager of Collins Medical Solutions in Bridgeport, Conn., said his company recently completed its resurvey and encountered significantly updated standards.“The changes were through the roof this year,” he said. “When we initially saw all the updates to the review and the qualifications, it was very daunting. But, ultimately, it confirmed that we are running a smooth operation – as are most HMEs that are surviving today.”Collins added that support from accrediting organizations helped ease the transition.‘You have to live it’Despite their frustrations, providers acknowledge that compliance is an ongoing process – not something that can be addressed just ahead of a survey, whether it’s required annually or every three years.“Most businesses just have to live it,” said Rae. “It’s not something you can ignore and then pick up at the last minute every three years. You have to do it all the time – you have to do it consistently.” 2026-06-05T12:49:00-05:00 Theresa Flaherty https://www.hmenews.com/article/new-accreditation-cycle-raises-costs-burdens#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/acu-serve-president-ramps-up-growth-strategy AKRON, Ohio – ACU-Serve has named Natasha Mehta as president, bringing in a seasoned revenue cycle executive as the company positions itself for accelerated growth, including acquisitions and long-term succession planning.The move comes on the heels of two acquisitions in 2025 – TANYR in June and Pinnacle Revenue Management in July– both aimed at expanding ACU-Serve’s footprint in infusion-focused revenue cycle management (RCM).“The growth plan is going to be acquisitive,” Mehta said. “We’re going to, of course, have organic growth, but as a company that’s backed by private equity, acquisitions are always going to come into play.”ACU-Serve received a significant investment from Lovell Minnick in 2023. The private equity firm has more than 50 portfolio investments and more than $6 billion in committed capital.Biz strategy: Deepening core markets while expanding in post-acute careACU-Serve’s acquisition strategy will focus on both strengthening its core verticals – HME, infusion and resupply – and expanding into adjacent markets, Mehta says.Within infusion, the company is still working to fully integrate its recent acquisitions and build out its capabilities.“We want to go wide,” she said. “We’re not going to say we’ll do work for large physician practices, because the expectations, tools and knowledge set are different. We want to go wide but stay in the post-acute care space.”Supporting that broader push, ACU-Serve in 2025 also named home health and hospice veteran Sidney S. Simmons III as executive vice president of sales.Technology strategy: Focused adoption over AI hypeAs the company scales, ACU-Serve is also prioritizing a disciplined approach to technology adoption, particularly around artificial intelligence.In a crowded vendor landscape, the company is focused on targeted implementation rather than broad experimentation, Mehta says.“It can be a distraction,” she said. “It has to be deliberate and make sense. We need to say, ‘We’re going to focus on these things right now, what makes the most sense and how do we integrate them.’”While provider customers pursue their own AI initiatives, Mehta believes ACU-Serve can apply those tools more effectively across its broader client base.“I had a mentor at Deloitte who liked to say he had a crystal ball, because what a CEO may experience one time, he experiences 10, 11, 12 times in his career,” she said. “We know what works and doesn’t work in a different way that a standalone operation just doesn’t have. That gives us an edge.”Leadership background rooted in revenue cycle growthMehta brings deep experience in RCM and private equity-backed health care services. She previously held a leadership role at GetixHealth, where she focused on preparing the company for scalable growth.There, she led a global workforce of nearly 2,000 employees across 10 locations, supporting major health care organizations and managing more than $12 billion in revenue.“I hope to bring more of a strategic lens to ACU-Serve,” she said. “We’re very tactical – we know our work very well and we do a great job for our clients – but how can we pull back and think strategically and get a plan around that.” 2026-06-05T12:42:00-05:00 Liz Beaulieu https://www.hmenews.com/article/acu-serve-president-ramps-up-growth-strategy#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/motion-finetunes-rehab-expo-for-deeper-focus TORONTO – Motion is refining its Rehab Expo in 2026, rolling out a tighter, more deliberate format centered on complex rehab technology (CRT) for both adult and pediatric populations.Guided by attendee feedback, the updated approach features a more curated show floor, with slightly fewer booths, shorter keynote presentations and, in select communities, a new half-day option designed to foster more meaningful networking. The format also reflects the rapid evolution of CRT by pairing hands-on access to equipment with direct interaction with manufacturer representatives.“As complex rehab technology continues to evolve, we’ve intentionally tailored our supplier presence in 2026 to give clinicians and Motion teams greater exposure to the latest innovations,” said Jeff Preston, vice president of brand and product at Motion. “Providing hands-on access to this equipment helps deepen clinical understanding, build confidence in product selection and, ultimately, support better outcomes for clients with complex mobility needs.”Shorter keynotes, stronger engagementKeynote sessions will focus on virtual care in seating and mobility assessments, as well as accessibility in practice. Presentations have been shortened to 30 to 40 minutes and, in select locations, scheduled before lunch to improve attendee flow and engagement.The Expo will include 10 events across Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario, positioning it as a complementary education and networking opportunity for Canadian health care and industry professionals, including therapists, long-term care administrators and funding providers.Expanding beyond product educationEach event will also feature a dedicated Motion booth, allowing attendees to engage with Motion teams on a range of topics beyond product education.“In addition, the presence of a dedicated Motion booth at each event allows us to address important topics that go beyond product education, such as repair and maintenance services, education and training opportunities, funding navigation, and custom wheelchair seating support,” said Preston. “Representatives from Canadian funding agencies also commonly attend the Expos.”New and returning stopsIn 2026, Motion is adding a new half-day stop in Sault Ste. Marie and returning to the Greater Toronto Area for a full-day event, marking its first GTA Expo since 2019. 2026-06-05T12:39:00-05:00 Tracy Orzel https://www.hmenews.com/article/motion-finetunes-rehab-expo-for-deeper-focus#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/matt-filippis-works-to-level-playing-field-for-smaller-providers WATERLOO, Iowa – Matt Filippis says his main goal as the new director of business development for Clinical Mobility and Accessibility for VGM & Associates is to sharpen the competitive edge of smaller providers in the complex rehab technology (CRT), orthotics and prosthetics (O&P) and home access markets.“Competition creates good service,” he said. “It keeps all providers honest.”Filippis has a mix of experience – small and big. He joins VGM from AdaptHealth, where he helped standardize its CRT businesses before the company sold them to National Seating & Mobility (NSM). He has also worked at NSM, as well as Wright & Filippis.HME News: How do you aim to help smaller providers compete?Matt Filippis: One of the biggest challenges is being able to compete for assistive technology professionals (ATPs). ATPs have their choice of opportunities, so how will you build and retain talent? We can help them build their ATP programs from within. With the ATP programs we have – the tech-to-ATP program and the ATP readiness program – we can help existing employees get certified and then you’re growing organically. That has a big impact on margins.HME: There are several challenges in CRT – a small number of large providers with significant market share and, as you just mentioned, a sometimes complex and costly staffing need. Why is this a good business to stick with?Filippis: One of the biggest pluses is the complex and custom nature of the business, which means it has been excluded from (Medicare’s) competitive bidding program. So, pricing has been somewhat protected. Medicare has also done a lot of good things for CRT when it comes to applying prior authorization requirements and adding coverage for power seat elevation. This has helped to increase access.HME: In addition to CRT, you’ll be working with members in the O&P and home access markets. What synergies and potential growth opportunities do you see between these markets?Filippis: There’s a strong case, especially for home access and CRT. If you have a complex chair that you use in the home, how do you get outside your home and how do you go somewhere? That’s something we’re focusing on, and we have the services and support to offer them. How do you go down this path? Here’s a 10-point plan for how to get there.HME: CRT is one of those fields that almost always requires serendipity. How did you first get into the market?Filippis: If you had asked me when I got out of school and started working at Wright & Filippis if I’d go down the CRT path, I would have told you you were crazy. My first five years full-time at Wright & Filippis were O&P. At the same time, they’re both so custom and clinically driven that the transition made a lot of sense. Instead of legs and braces to help people get around, it was wheelchairs. I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Alan Lynch (now at Westpeak Mobility), who I spent two years working closely with at Wright & Filippis. He was the one who really opened the company’s eyes to complex rehab. 2026-06-05T12:36:00-05:00 Liz Beaulieu https://www.hmenews.com/article/matt-filippis-works-to-level-playing-field-for-smaller-providers#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/in-brief-vgm-s-new-collab-kalogon-s-funding-medline-s-milestone WATERLOO, Iowa — VGM & Associates has launched a collaboration with Resmed to help home medical equipment (HME) providers strengthen their sleep therapy programs. By combining VGM’s expanding Total Sleep Services offering with Resmed’s connected sleep health capabilities, the two companies say they create a more connected path from diagnosis to long-term therapy adherence.The collaboration brings together VGM’s member community and category expertise with Resmed’s health technology portfolio to help providers move patients into therapy faster, improve care coordination and support stronger long-term outcomes. The initiative is focused on reducing fragmentation in the sleep pathway, where delays in testing and inconsistent workflows have limited access to therapy and, ultimately, slowed access to care for patients, the companies say.VGM & Associates and Resmed commentary“At VGM, we believe if we do not step forward to help solve this, the system will continue to evolve without providers at the center,” said Lindy Tentinger, president of VGM & Associates. “That is not acceptable. This is our opportunity to lead. Our work with Resmed is about more than a collaboration. It is about reducing friction in how care is delivered so providers can scale and patients can get treatment faster. By aligning with Resmed, we are expanding access to solutions that support member growth, help improve patient outcomes, and remove barriers to care.”“HMEs are central to how patients access and stay in sleep therapy, and Resmed is committed to supporting their success, said Jeff Haley, vice president of sales, Americas, at Resmed. “VGM brings deep reach into the HME community, and together we’re helping ensure more providers have the innovation and resources they need to help patients succeed on therapy.”Benefit to HME providersVGM says as demand grows for home-based diagnostics and more efficient patient engagement, the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to helping providers adapt to a rapidly evolving sleep care landscape.For HME providers, that means broader access to solutions that can reduce operational bottlenecks, simplify workflows, and improve the experience for patients and referral sources. Through this collaboration, VGM members will gain access to resources that help them build more connected sleep programs that support patient care and engagement.VGM says the initiative is intended to improve access to diagnosis and long-term therapy support, help reduce testing bottlenecks, and accelerate time to therapy, which supports adherence and continuity of care. Together, it says these solutions help providers address critical needs across the patient care continuum.Continued support for multi-vendor ecosystemVGM says it will continue to support a strong multi-vendor ecosystem within the sleep and respiratory category, ensuring providers maintain the flexibility to choose solutions that best meet patient needs.“At VGM, we believe innovation delivers the greatest value when it reaches patients,” Tentinger said. “Our collaboration with Resmed brings together their innovation and our member community to help remove barriers to care and empower the HME community to do what they do best: care for patients.”Kalogon secures additional funding, plans to increase hiringMELBOURNE, Fla. – Kalogon has raised $5.75 million in funding, led by Enable Ventures, a venture fund that says it is dedicated to closing the disability wealth gap. Other investors include Florida Opportunity Fund, Castellan Group and returning investors DeepWork Capital, Sawmill Angels and Black Opal.Kalogon will use the capital to:Hire across engineering, research and business developmentExpand the number of products offered internationallyInvest in the intelligence that its growing suite of deployed smart cushions makes possible“People who use wheelchairs face real health consequences from sitting, but the stresses of sitting don't stop there,” said Tim Balz, founder and CEO of Kalogon. “When you solve for the people with the greatest need, you end up solving it for everyone. Our work with the U.S. Air Force showed us that the same technologies that help wheelchair users can help a B-52 pilot endure a 30-hour mission at peak performance. Improving seating has applications everywhere, and this investment lets us chase the full scope of that opportunity.”Kalogon says the funding comes on the heels of a breakout year for the company, which has more than tripled its medical revenue year-over-year and moved into a dedicated manufacturing facility in Melbourne to meet increasing demand.The company’s full seating system technology is currently in pilot testing to relieve fatigue and pain for U.S. Air Force aircrew on B-52 and E-4B long-duration missions, with commercial aviation and automotive partnerships in development.Related: Kalogon’s production, leadership investments tee up growthSoleo Health expands mid-Atlantic footprint with acquisition of RealoFRISCO, Texas, and MORRISVILLE, N.C. – Soleo Health has acquired Realo Specialty Care Pharmacy and BluHaven Management from parent company Realo Drugs, expanding its footprint in the mid-Atlantic region.Realo Specialty Care’s specialty pharmacy, located in Morrisville, N.C., and BluHaven’s infusion center, located in Raleigh, N.C., complement Soleo Health’s nationwide portfolio of 28 specialty pharmacies and more than 30 ambulatory infusion suites and centers, the company says.“We welcome Realo Specialty Care and BluHaven to the Soleo Health family,” said Drew Walk, CEO at Soleo Health. “Since their founding in 2015, they established themselves as a leading specialty pharmacy and infusion provider in the region. Their esteemed reputation reflects a best-in-class care model that brings together clinical expertise and care coordination to deliver high-quality support for patients and providers.”Principals Charlie Frye, PharmD, and Will Holland, PharmD, along with the entire Realo Specialty Care and BluHaven team, will join Soleo Health.Related: BluHaven Health meets community’s next need.Related: Soleo Health taps new VP of sales.Medline marks six decades in businessNORTHFIELD, Ill. - Medline celebrates its 60th anniversary this month. Founded by brothers Jim and Jon Mills, the company began as a modest, family-run operation that manufactured health care apparel for providers in and around Chicago – a natural evolution from the meat-packing aprons, surgical gowns and nurses’ attire that the brothers’ grandfather, A.L. Mills, had started supplying local customers two generations earlier.Today, the company:Distributes approximately 335,000 health care products, including approximately 190,000 under the Medline Brand and about 70,000 of those self-manufacturedNet sales of more than $28.4 billion in 202570 global distribution centers30 global manufacturing facilitiesMore than 45,000 employees worldwide, including a U.S. commercial team of more than 4,000A fleet of 2,100+ MedTrans delivery trucks enabling next-day delivery to 95% of U.S. customers“The evidence of our impact is unmistakable as we’ve progressed through the years, relentlessly focusing on serving healthcare providers across all points of care, building a massive product portfolio and establishing one of the most robust and resilient supply chains in the industry,” said Doug Golwas, chief commercial officer. “Every moment of every day, as healthcare providers seek to provide the best care for their patients, Medline is right by their side.”2025: Proudly publicMedline’s initial public offering near the end of 2025 was the largest of the year in the U.S. and the third largest in the last 10 years, raising more than $7 billion to support continued investment in innovation, resiliency and value-driven solutions for Medline customers across all points of care, the company says.Related: Medline focuses on mitigation as oil prices, tariffs shiftVGM to name 2026 HME Woman of the Year at Heartland ConferenceWATERLOO, Iowa – VGM will name the 2026 HME Woman of the Year at its Heartland Conference in Waterloo, Iowa, on Tuesday, June 9. The finalists for the award are:Jeaneen Cole, vice president of quality and compliance, DASCO HMEShawna Carlson, director of rehab services, CareLinc Medical EquipmentLisa Wells, senior vice president, Med-South, Inc.Julie Osborn, president and CEO, Alliance Rehab and Medical EquipmentWhitney Baker, director of DME operations and integrations, ViemedNow in its 10th year, the HME Woman of the Year Award recognizes extraordinary leaders who have made significant and lasting contributions to the home medical equipment (HME) industry. Eligible nominees represent a wide range of roles, including providers, manufacturers, association leaders, clinicians, consultants and advocates in HME, complex rehab technology (CRT), respiratory care, women’s health, and related segments. To learn more about the finalists, go here.Read about past winners:  Tenacity, trailblazing & tech: Robin Menchen’s vision for future of HME. 2023 HME WOY Dana McLaughlin is ‘open for questions’. VA reduces wait times for prosthetic limbsWASHINGTON — The Department of Veterans Affairs says it has reduced wait times for prosthetic limbs by 10 days, after streamlining the purchasing process. The VA expects average wait times to fall more than 40% – from 94 days to 54 days – as facilities across the nation fully implement this new process. “Every day counts for veterans,” said VA Secretary Doug Collins. “By removing needless bureaucracy, VA is enabling clinicians and procurement teams to provide Veterans with high-quality prosthetic care, better and faster than before.” Under prior procurement rules, orders for all prosthetic limbs had to be approved by a contracting officer, which meant veterans had to wait several additional weeks before delivery. On April 22, Collins exempted approximately 95% of prosthetic limb orders from contracting officer reviews and determined that only the most expensive prosthetic limbs would continue to be subject to these reviews. He also authorized local purchasing agents to source directly from local suppliers whenever prosthetic limb prices are set by Medicare, in which case there is no negotiation over price and no need for review by a contracting officer.HME Medical Distribution co-founders recognizedRICHMOND, B.C. – HME Medical Distribution co-founders Robert Boscacci and Cameron Fleming have been named finalists for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2026 Pacific program. HME has grown over the past 14 years from a four-person operation into one of Canada’s largest, independently owned medical equipment distribution and accessibility companies, it says. “As HME has grown, we have always stayed true to our values of innovating products, improving accessibility, and making mobility a strength for the people we serve,” said Boscacci. “Over the past 14 years, HME has evolved from a traditional home medical dealer into a fully integrated medical distribution company with a growing dealer network, proprietary product development initiatives, and Health Canada Class 1, 2 and 3 medical device capabilities.” The EY Entrepreneur of the Year program recognizes entrepreneurs who demonstrate excellence in areas like innovation, financial performance, vision and community impact.Read about some of HME’s recent growth:HME partners with Yuwell, adds respiratory to portfolioHME Home Health expands presence in British Columbia  Glooko, mylife Diabetes Care expand partnership, ensure continuityGOTEHNBURG, Sweden and BURGDORF, Switzerland – As a result of an expanded partnership Glooko will serve as mylife Diabetes Care’s primary data management platform for mylife products. The companies say this next step ensures continuity in the way health care professionals and patients access data from mylife products, including mylife Loop, an automated insulin delivery (AID) solution powered by mylife CamAPS FX from CamDiab. They say it also strengthens the shared commitment of both companies to support day-to-day clinical practice and improving outcomes. “Diabetes care is increasingly connected, and data management is one of the most important layers in helping people with diabetes and care teams make sense of information across devices and therapies,” said Mike Alvarez, CEO of Glooko. “We’re proud that mylife Diabetes Care has selected Glooko as its preferred data management partner. We’re excited to build on our strong partnership and support a smoother, more connected experience for mylife users and their healthcare teams.” The companies encourage people using mylife’s products who are not yet connected to Glooko to consult their health care professional or contact Glooko for support and onboarding information. 2026-06-05T12:30:00-05:00 HME News Staff https://www.hmenews.com/article/in-brief-vgm-s-new-collab-kalogon-s-funding-medline-s-milestone#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/cms-kicks-off-bid-preparation-with-non-lead-items-bid-limits-and-more WASHINGTON – The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has shared a list of non-lead items and their ratios to lead items in a new bidding calculator on the Competitive Bidding Implementation Contractor (CBIC) website, AAHomecare reports.The information is part of a large set of shared resources shared on the CBIC website kicking off “Phase 1: Bid Preparation for Round 2028” of the competitive bidding program (CBP).The resources also include a list of product categories with associated lead items and bid limits:Class II Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) and Insulin Pumps, A4239, $273.28Hydrophilic Urinary Catheters, A4296, $8.86Ostomy Supplies, A4385, $7.28Off-the-Shelf (OTS) Back Braces, L0651, $855.26OTS Knee Braces, L1852, $691.80OTS Upper Extremity Braces, L3916, $591.58Urological Supplies, A4352, $8.86CMS stated in an update to the CBIC website on June 4:To ensure bidders have ample time to understand the Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding Program (CBP) rules and prepare for Round 2028 of the DMEPOS CBP, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has provided detailed fact sheets on the Competitive Bidding Implementation Contractor (CBIC) website and will be offering additional educational resources.The CBIC website is the official information source for bidders and the focal point for bidder education. The CBIC website contains important and helpful resources to ensure bidders have the necessary information to prepare for DMEPOS CBP Round 2028. To sign up to receive important competitive bidding announcements and reminders, bidders and others are encouraged to subscribe to receive email updates on the CBIC website.Shared resources on the CBIC website:Bid surety bondBidder eligibility requirementsContract supplier obligationsExceptions from the requirement to be a contract supplier for competitively bid items and services included in Round 2028Financial reporting standardLead item bidding and pricingLicensure for biddersPhysician or treating practitioner authorization processRemote item deliver competitive bidding programRequirements to submit a bona fide bidSmall supplier considerationsSubcontracting DMEPOS servicesTribal exemption from the DMEPOS competitive bidding programPreviously provided timelineJune 4, 2026CMS begins pre-bidding supplier awareness programSummer 2026CMS announces specific dates for registration and biddingCMS announces lead items for the DMEPOS CBP product categories and number of contracts to award for each product categoryCMS begins bidder education programLate Fall 2026Bidder registration period to obtain user IDs and passwords beginsBid window opensLate Summer/early Fall 2027Contracts awarded and single payment amounts announcedBeneficiary education beginsNo later than Jan. 1, 2028Start of Round 2028 - Contracts and single payment amounts (SPAs) in effectRelated reading:CMS sticks to script in final competitive bidding rule.An industry ‘dehumanized’: Providers say CMS ignored feedback, favors large companies.Stakeholders look to Congress to pressure CMS on competitive bidding.Campaign launches to stop bidding for urological, ostomy supplies. 2026-06-05T09:22:00-05:00 HME News Staff https://www.hmenews.com/article/cms-kicks-off-bid-preparation-with-non-lead-items-bid-limits-and-more#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/vgm-to-name-2026-hme-woman-of-the-year-at-heartland-conference WATERLOO, Iowa – VGM will name the 2026 HME Woman of the Year at its Heartland Conference in Waterloo, Iowa, on Tuesday, June 9. The finalists for the award are:Jeaneen Cole, vice president of quality and compliance, DASCO HMEShawna Carlson, director of rehab services, CareLinc Medical EquipmentLisa Wells, senior vice president, Med-South, Inc.Julie Osborn, president and CEO, Alliance Rehab and Medical EquipmentWhitney Baker, director of DME operations and integrations, ViemedNow in its 10th year, the HME Woman of the Year Award recognizes extraordinary leaders who have made significant and lasting contributions to the home medical equipment (HME) industry. Eligible nominees represent a wide range of roles, including providers, manufacturers, association leaders, clinicians, consultants and advocates in HME, complex rehab technology (CRT), respiratory care, women’s health, and related segments. To learn more about the finalists, go here.Read about past winners: Tenacity, trailblazing & tech: Robin Menchen’s vision for future of HME. 2023 HME WOY Dana McLaughlin is ‘open for questions’.  2026-06-04T11:20:52-05:00 HME News Staff https://www.hmenews.com/article/vgm-to-name-2026-hme-woman-of-the-year-at-heartland-conference#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/va-reduces-wait-times-for-prosthetic-limbs WASHINGTON — The Department of Veterans Affairs says it has reduced wait times for prosthetic limbs by 10 days, after streamlining the purchasing process. The VA expects average wait times to fall more than 40% – from 94 days to 54 days – as facilities across the nation fully implement this new process. “Every day counts for veterans,” said VA Secretary Doug Collins. “By removing needless bureaucracy, VA is enabling clinicians and procurement teams to provide Veterans with high-quality prosthetic care, better and faster than before.” Under prior procurement rules, orders for all prosthetic limbs had to be approved by a contracting officer, which meant veterans had to wait several additional weeks before delivery. On April 22, Collins exempted approximately 95% of prosthetic limb orders from contracting officer reviews and determined that only the most expensive prosthetic limbs would continue to be subject to these reviews. He also authorized local purchasing agents to source directly from local suppliers whenever prosthetic limb prices are set by Medicare, in which case there is no negotiation over price and no need for review by a contracting officer. 2026-06-04T11:18:32-05:00 HME News Staff https://www.hmenews.com/article/va-reduces-wait-times-for-prosthetic-limbs#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/hme-medical-distribution-co-founders-recognized RICHMOND, B.C. – HME Medical Distribution co-founders Robert Boscacci and Cameron Fleming have been named finalists for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2026 Pacific program. HME has grown over the past 14 years from a four-person operation into one of Canada’s largest, independently owned medical equipment distribution and accessibility companies, it says. “As HME has grown, we have always stayed true to our values of innovating products, improving accessibility, and making mobility a strength for the people we serve,” said Boscacci. “Over the past 14 years, HME has evolved from a traditional home medical dealer into a fully integrated medical distribution company with a growing dealer network, proprietary product development initiatives, and Health Canada Class 1, 2 and 3 medical device capabilities.” The EY Entrepreneur of the Year program recognizes entrepreneurs who demonstrate excellence in areas like innovation, financial performance, vision and community impact.Read about some of HME’s recent growth:HME partners with Yuwell, adds respiratory to portfolioHME Home Health expands presence in British Columbia  2026-06-04T11:17:00-05:00 HME News Staff https://www.hmenews.com/article/hme-medical-distribution-co-founders-recognized#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/kalogon-secures-additional-funding-plans-to-increase-hiring MELBOURNE, Fla. – Kalogon has raised $5.75 million in funding, led by Enable Ventures, a venture fund that says it is dedicated to closing the disability wealth gap. Other investors include Florida Opportunity Fund, Castellan Group and returning investors DeepWork Capital, Sawmill Angels and Black Opal.Kalogon will use the capital to:Hire across engineering, research and business developmentExpand the number of products offered internationallyInvest in the intelligence that its growing suite of deployed smart cushions makes possible“People who use wheelchairs face real health consequences from sitting, but the stresses of sitting don't stop there,” said Tim Balz, founder and CEO of Kalogon. “When you solve for the people with the greatest need, you end up solving it for everyone. Our work with the U.S. Air Force showed us that the same technologies that help wheelchair users can help a B-52 pilot endure a 30-hour mission at peak performance. Improving seating has applications everywhere, and this investment lets us chase the full scope of that opportunity.”Kalogon says the funding comes on the heels of a breakout year for the company, which has more than tripled its medical revenue year-over-year and moved into a dedicated manufacturing facility in Melbourne to meet increasing demand.The company’s full seating system technology is currently in pilot testing to relieve fatigue and pain for U.S. Air Force aircrew on B-52 and E-4B long-duration missions, with commercial aviation and automotive partnerships in development.Related: Kalogon’s production, leadership investments tee up growth 2026-06-04T11:14:00-05:00 HME News Staff https://www.hmenews.com/article/kalogon-secures-additional-funding-plans-to-increase-hiring#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/medline-marks-six-decades-in-business NORTHFIELD, Ill. - Medline celebrates its 60th anniversary this month. Founded by brothers Jim and Jon Mills, the company began as a modest, family-run operation that manufactured health care apparel for providers in and around Chicago – a natural evolution from the meat-packing aprons, surgical gowns and nurses’ attire that the brothers’ grandfather, A.L. Mills, had started supplying local customers two generations earlier.Today, the company:Distributes approximately 335,000 health care products, including approximately 190,000 under the Medline Brand and about 70,000 of those self-manufacturedNet sales of more than $28.4 billion in 202570 global distribution centers30 global manufacturing facilitiesMore than 45,000 employees worldwide, including a U.S. commercial team of more than 4,000A fleet of 2,100+ MedTrans delivery trucks enabling next-day delivery to 95% of U.S. customers“The evidence of our impact is unmistakable as we’ve progressed through the years, relentlessly focusing on serving healthcare providers across all points of care, building a massive product portfolio and establishing one of the most robust and resilient supply chains in the industry,” said Doug Golwas, chief commercial officer. “Every moment of every day, as healthcare providers seek to provide the best care for their patients, Medline is right by their side.”2025: Proudly publicMedline’s initial public offering near the end of 2025 was the largest of the year in the U.S. and the third largest in the last 10 years, raising more than $7 billion to support continued investment in innovation, resiliency and value-driven solutions for Medline customers across all points of care, the company says.Related: Medline focuses on mitigation as oil prices, tariffs shift 2026-06-03T10:58:41-05:00 HME News Staff https://www.hmenews.com/article/medline-marks-six-decades-in-business#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/glooko-mylife-diabetes-care-expand-partnership-ensure-continuity GOTEHNBURG, Sweden and BURGDORF, Switzerland – As a result of an expanded partnership Glooko will serve as mylife Diabetes Care’s primary data management platform for mylife products. The companies say this next step ensures continuity in the way health care professionals and patients access data from mylife products, including mylife Loop, an automated insulin delivery (AID) solution powered by mylife CamAPS FX from CamDiab. They say it also strengthens the shared commitment of both companies to supporting day-to-day clinical practice and improving outcomes. “Diabetes care is increasingly connected, and data management is one of the most important layers in helping people with diabetes and care teams make sense of information across devices and therapies,” said Mike Alvarez, CEO of Glooko. “We’re proud that mylife Diabetes Care has selected Glooko as its preferred data management partner. We’re excited to build on our strong partnership and support a smoother, more connected experience for mylife users and their healthcare teams.” As part of the agreement, mylife will further strengthen its digital ecosystem by leveraging Glooko as its primary data management platform, which is already present in most clinics, making access to their data more readily available. People using mylife’s products who are not yet connected to Glooko are encouraged to consult their healthcare professional or contact Glooko for support and onboarding information. 2026-06-03T10:56:17-05:00 HME News Staff https://www.hmenews.com/article/glooko-mylife-diabetes-care-expand-partnership-ensure-continuity#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/lifeway-mobility-scales-with-focus-on-demand-and-talent HARTFORD, Conn. – Lifeway Mobility was off to the races in the first quarter, expanding into two new states – Nebraska and Michigan – and launching additional locations in Missouri. The company, which currently operates in 35 states, plans to enter at least seven additional markets this year.As it expands, the company will continue to deploy “a disciplined buy-versus-build strategy,” says Paul Bergantino, president.“We have identified our next 20 markets for expansion over the next 24 months,” he said. “When acquisition opportunities allow us to add strong teams and local expertise, we will pursue them. Otherwise, we will build new operations around recruited talent to ensure long-term success in each market.”Large populations with strong demandLifeway Mobility’s goal isn’t necessarily to have a location in every state, Bergantino says. Rather, the company focuses on reaching the largest populations where demand is strongest, he says.In both Nebraska and Michigan, the company identified a clear demand, chose a build strategy, recruited key talent and executed its established playbook for launching in new markets, he says.“We evaluate expansion opportunities using a consistent set of criteria, including demographics, housing stock, competitive landscape, available talent and other (factors),” he said. “A critical first step is identifying strong local leadership – what we call ‘anchor talent.’”That talent includes Mike French, who will serve as general manager in Omaha, Neb.; and Kevin Prior, who will serve as a senior sales consultant in Detroit.St. Louis checked all the boxesSt. Louis was appealing for an additional location in Missouri for several reasons, Bergantino says, including its growing senior population and large inventory of older, multi-story homes.“Many (of these homes have) narrow staircases and layouts that can become challenging as mobility declines,” he said. “A high rate of homeownership – often with homes owned outright – also makes residents more willing to invest in modifications like bathroom safety and stairlifts.”Also in the city’s favor: a relatively low cost of living, Bergantino says.“We believe many residents remain cost-conscious,” he said. “Home modifications are often seen as a more affordable alternative to assisted living.”‘Acting local as we grow’Bergantino isn’t the only one who believes Lifeway Mobility’s model is working. The company was recently recognized as part of USA Today’s Most Trusted Brands of 2026, which highlights companies that consumers feel most confident doing business with.Over the years, he says, the company has created Lifeway Academy and invested in processes and customer feedback systems to improve consistency and preserve a local approach.“Seeing Lifeway backed by more than 10,000 positive reviews reinforces our reputation as a trusted provider,” he said. “At our core, we’ve long embraced a philosophy of ‘acting small and local as we grow.’ That means empowering our local teams to make decisions in the best interest of their customers and communities.”Post-Q1, Lifeway Mobility has entered another new state – Idaho – and added a second location in Virginia.Photo courtesy of Lifeway Mobility. 2026-06-03T09:59:53-05:00 Liz Beaulieu https://www.hmenews.com/article/lifeway-mobility-scales-with-focus-on-demand-and-talent#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/soleo-health-expands-mid-atlantic-footprint-with-acquisition-of-realo FRISCO, Texas, and MORRISVILLE, N.C. – Soleo Health has acquired Realo Specialty Care Pharmacy and BluHaven Management from parent company Realo Drugs, expanding its footprint in the mid-Atlantic region.Realo Specialty Care’s specialty pharmacy, located in Morrisville, N.C., and BluHaven’s infusion center, located in Raleigh, N.C., complement Soleo Health’s nationwide portfolio of 28 specialty pharmacies and more than 30 ambulatory infusion suites and centers, the company says.“We welcome Realo Specialty Care and BluHaven to the Soleo Health family,” said Drew Walk, CEO at Soleo Health. “Since their founding in 2015, they established themselves as a leading specialty pharmacy and infusion provider in the region. Their esteemed reputation reflects a best-in-class care model that brings together clinical expertise and care coordination to deliver high-quality support for patients and providers.”Principals Charlie Frye, PharmD, and Will Holland, PharmD, along with the entire Realo Specialty Care and BluHaven team, will join Soleo Health.Related: BluHaven Health meets community’s next need.Related: Soleo Health taps new VP of sales. 2026-06-03T09:55:00-05:00 HME News Staff https://www.hmenews.com/article/soleo-health-expands-mid-atlantic-footprint-with-acquisition-of-realo#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/lifeway-mobility-opens-second-location-in-virginia HARTFORD, Conn. – Lifeway Mobility has opened a new location in Richmond, Va., its second location in the state. The location will allow the company to better serve residents throughout the greater Richmond area and across central and eastern Virginia. “We’re excited to expand our coverage in the Commonwealth of Virginia and bring Lifeway Mobility’s personalized approach to accessibility solutions throughout the region,” said Nick Krassy, Lifeway Mobility regional vice president. “Opening in this area allows us to serve more families with solutions that help improve their safety, independence, and quality of life at home. Our local team looks forward to supporting the greater Richmond community and enhancing mobility for residents.” Lifeway Mobility will offer stair lifts, wheelchair ramps and platform lifts, bath safety solutions and transfer aids. The company now has more than 35 locations nationwide.Related: Lifeway debuts Idaho location. 2026-06-02T10:19:00-05:00 HME News Staff https://www.hmenews.com/article/lifeway-mobility-opens-second-location-in-virginia#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/nsm-luci-partner-to-increase-access-to-driver-assistance-platform NASHVILLE, Tenn. – National Seating & Mobility (NSM) is now a preferred national partner for LUCI. NSM will play a key role in introducing LUCI’s technology to a broader range of clinics and power wheelchair riders across the United States and Canada through internal and external clinical education, technical trainings and awareness campaigns. “LUCI offers power wheelchair riders greater independence, confidence and safety in a world that’s not always designed for people who rely on mobility equipment,” said Crispin Teufel, CEO of NSM. “We’re proud to be LUCI’s Preferred National Partner in the complex rehabilitation technology (CRT) industry and excited to expand access to this life-changing technology through our more than 180 locations.” NSM has a network of more than 180 locations across the U.S. and Canada. LUCI offers an advanced driver assistance platform for power wheelchair riders using sensorfusion technology – including radar, cameras and ultrasonics – to enhance intelligent safety and performance. “At LUCI, our mission has always been to rethink what’s possible for people who rely on power mobility,” said Barry Dean, CEO and co-founder of LUCI. “Expanding our partnership with NSM helps us bring safer, smarter mobility to more people. Their nationwide expertise and deep commitment to the people they serve means more wheelchair users will have access to the safety, confidence and independence they deserve.” 2026-06-02T10:17:00-05:00 HME News Staff https://www.hmenews.com/article/nsm-luci-partner-to-increase-access-to-driver-assistance-platform#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/us-rehab-permobil-continue-strong-partnership WATERLOO, Iowa – U.S. Rehab, a division of VGM & Associates, has renewed its long-standing partnership with Permobil to expand product choice and strengthen the range of solutions available to members. The partnership spans Permobil’s full product portfolio, including power and manual mobility, seating and positioning solutions, power assist and PDG Mobility products. “VGM is excited to continue our strong partnership with Permobil as we work together to deliver premium complex rehab technology solutions to our membership,” states Tyler Mahncke, senior vice president of membership, VGM & Associates. “For U.S. Rehab members, this renewed collaboration delivers real, day-to-day value: streamlined access to industry-leading CRT products and solutions, greater flexibility in matching equipment to individual needs, and support to meet a broader range of mobility needs across diverse patient populations.” U.S. Rehab’s membership network encompasses more than 1,300 rehab locations. The renewed partnership with Permobil allows both companies to continue their support of complex rehab technology (CRT) providers, they say. “Permobil is proud to continue our partnership with VGM and U.S. Rehab as we work collectively to advance complex rehab technology across the industry,” adds Cody Verrett, vice president of sales, Permobil Americas. “This agreement reflects our shared commitment to innovation, clinical outcomes, and ensuring providers have access to the solutions they need to best serve individuals with complex mobility needs.” 2026-06-02T10:15:00-05:00 HME News Staff https://www.hmenews.com/article/us-rehab-permobil-continue-strong-partnership#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/bleepsleep-launches-new-shopify-powered-storefront CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – BleepSleep has launched a redesigned, direct-to-consumer Shopify store at bleepsleep.com for its mask-less, strap-free CPAP solutions, the DreamPort and Eclipse. "Too many CPAP users abandon therapy not because therapy doesn't work - but because the mask makes it unbearable,” said Stuart Heatherington, founder and CEO. “DreamPort and Eclipse were designed from the ground up to solve that. No headgear. No straps. No leaks. Just therapy that patients can actually stay committed to, night after night.” The company says the newly launched Shopify-powered storefront at bleepsleep.com features intuitive product discovery, detailed fitting guides, easy reorder of consumables such as Halos adhesive interfaces, and direct access to insurance and Medicare reimbursement information. It says the new store also features a dedicated insurance, DME & VA portal, allowing qualifying patients to access products through Medicare, Medicaid and most major private insurers, lowering the cost barrier for CPAP users who have been priced out of comfortable alternatives.Related: Bleep names technology expert to board. 2026-06-02T10:12:49-05:00 HME News Staff https://www.hmenews.com/article/bleepsleep-launches-new-shopify-powered-storefront#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/lux-infusion-promotes-dan-teich-as-it-targets-50-locations-nationwide PLANTATION, Fla. – LUX Infusion, which provides both home and ambulatory center services, has promoted Dan Teich to senior vice president, Market Access. In this expanded role, he will be responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive strategy that aligns the company's market access partnerships across pharmaceutical manufacturers, specialty distributors, group purchasing organizations and health plan payers with LUX Infusion's mission to expand patient access to high-quality, accessible infusion care. "Dan has been an exceptional leader in shaping our trade relationships, and this promotion reflects both his contributions and our confidence in his vision," said Ted Kramm, CEO of LUX Infusion. "By unifying trade relations and managed care under his leadership, we are creating a more integrated approach to how we work with our partners, positioning LUX Infusion to deliver greater value across the entire specialty infusion ecosystem." Teich brings more than 15 years of expertise in pharmacy operations, supply chain management, contract negotiation, and executive leadership across the specialty infusion, health system, and retail pharmacy sectors. Prior to joining LUX Infusion, he served as vice president of Health Systems Manufacturer Relations at Cencora (formerly AmerisourceBergen), where he led negotiations of specialty and biosimilar GPO contracts for health systems. LUX Infusion says this new leadership structure reflects its broader commitment to building a fully integrated infusion services platform that leverages strong partner relationships to drive superior clinical outcomes, operational efficiency, and expanded patient access as the company continues its growth toward more than 50 infusion locations nationwide.Related: BioMatrix buys LUX Infusion, expands its home infusion nursing capabilities. 2026-06-02T10:11:07-05:00 HME News Staff https://www.hmenews.com/article/lux-infusion-promotes-dan-teich-as-it-targets-50-locations-nationwide#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/pure-infusion-makes-official-debut SANDY, Utah – Pure Infusion has officially launched its new brand name, formed through the merger of AleraCare and Pure Healthcare. “At Pure Infusion, we are redefining what patients and providers should expect from infusion care,” said Brady Porter, chief commercial officer. “Our new, unified brand reinforces this commitment and going forward we are deeply focused on further enhancing the core attributes both legacy organizations excelled at: providing exceptional clinical care, seamless coordination, and operating with a deeply human approach to every interaction.” Pure Infusion encompasses more than 75 locations across 14 states, serving more than 5,000 patients each month. The company says its growing national footprint enables greater access to high-quality infusion care while maintaining a localized, patient-first approach—helping providers and patients alike benefit from more convenient, cost-effective treatment options closer to home.Related: AleraCare, Pure Healthcare are stronger together, Joe Cosgrove says. 2026-06-02T10:06:41-05:00 HME News Staff https://www.hmenews.com/article/pure-infusion-makes-official-debut#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/sanford-health-equip-buys-great-plains-restorative-services BISMARK, N.D. – Sanford Health Equip has acquired Great Plains Restorative Services, a home medical equipment (HME) provider serving Bismarck, Dickinson and surrounding rural communities, in a move that expands its footprint into western North Dakota.As a result of the deal, patients in the area will have access to expanded resources, a broader product offering and a regional care network, Sanford Health Equip says.“Great Plains has built strong relationships and a reputation for compassionate care in the communities they serve,” said Todd Schaffer, M.D., president and CEO, Sanford Bismarck. “We are honored to build on that legacy and ensure patients continue to receive the support they need close to home.”Sanford Health Equip has about 30 locations across North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota and Iowa, providing a wide range of home health care accessories and HME, including mobility aids, respiratory and CPAP equipment, enteral nutrition supplies, orthotics and prosthetics and daily living aids.Other deal details:Patients currently receiving services through Great Plains Restorative Services will transition to Sanford Health Equip and patients will be contacted directly with information about next steps and any changes to services.Some services previously offered by Great Plains – including home and vehicle modifications – will not continue under Sanford Health Equip.Sanford Health Equip will not acquire Great Plains’ physical locations.Sanford Health Equip is the result of a merger between Sanford Health Healthcare Accessories and Sanford Health Home Medical Equipment.“This addition strengthens our ability to serve rural communities by improving access to essential equipment and services,” said Doug Okland, vice president of health services operations, Sanford Health. “We are committed to making this transition as seamless as possible while continuing to prioritize high-quality, patient-centered care.”Related: In April, Sanford Health announced that it had opened Sanford Health Equip in Bismarck, N.D., in a former Joann Fabric location. 2026-06-02T10:05:08-05:00 HME News Staff https://www.hmenews.com/article/sanford-health-equip-buys-great-plains-restorative-services#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/cms-finalizes-changes-to-dispute-resolution-process WASHINGTON – The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has published a final rule that it says makes the Federal Independent Dispute Resolution (IDR) process more efficient and transparent, while saving money for millions of Americans. Since launching in April 2022, CMA says the Federal IDR process has received more than 5 million disputes – far exceeding expectations and creating delays and unnecessary costs. The agency says the rule addresses those bottlenecks by reducing ineligible disputes and lowering costs for providers and payers. “Americans should never be blindsided by unexpected medical bills,” said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “This rule cuts through bureaucratic delays, strengthens transparency between payers and providers, while continuing to protect patients from unnecessary financial stress. We are bringing greater clarity, accountability, and common sense to a healthcare system that too often leaves families confused and frustrated.” As finalized:The rule drops the administrative fee from $115 to $15 per party per dispute – a reduction of more than 85%.The rule also allows more flexibility for claims to be resolved together in one batched dispute, reducing costs while simultaneously speeding up decisions.The rule lays the groundwork for a new IDR Gateway – a centralized platform to manage disputes – that will launch in phases beginning in 2026To review the final rule, visit: https://www.cms.gov/files/document/federal-independent-dispute-resolution-operations-cms-9897-f.pdf.To review the CMS fact sheet, visit: https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/federal-independent-dispute-resolution-operations-final-rule. 2026-06-01T10:05:53-05:00 HME News Staff https://www.hmenews.com/article/cms-finalizes-changes-to-dispute-resolution-process#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/aahomecare-announces-new-leadership-lineup WASHINGTON – AAHomecare’s membership has approved the association’s new leadership lineup, including Ryan Bullock, chief strategy officer at Aeroflow Health in Asheville, N.C., as chairman of the board. Other officers approved include:Vice chairman: David Siegel, CEO, Nationwide Medical, Calabasas, Calif.Secretary: John Cassar, CEO, SuperCare Health, Downey, Calif.Josh Marx, CEO of Medical Service Company and former chairman, will remain on the Executive Committee as immediate past chair.AAHomecare members also elected five individuals to at-large board seats for three-year terms (2026-29):Nick Bush, vice president of sales, Direct Supply, Milwaukee, Wis.Casey Hoyt, CEO, Viemed, Lafayette, La.Morten Hansen, vice president, Direct, Comfort Medical Supply, Prairie, Minn.Jim Nygren, president, VGM Insurance, Waterloo, IowaGary Sheehan, general manager, senior vice president of Diabetes, AdaptHealth, Sandwich, Mass.“A strong leadership is more important than ever,” said Tom Ryan, president & CEO of AAHomecare. “This year’s slate of officers brings a strong combination of experience, insight, passion, and commitment to the HME industry. I’m confident they will help us maintain momentum on critical priorities, from Federal advocacy efforts to payer engagement, and help us continue to elevate the role of HME.”The full list of board leaders for AAHomecare can be found here. 2026-06-01T10:03:53-05:00 HME News Staff https://www.hmenews.com/article/aahomecare-announces-new-leadership-lineup#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/cvs-challenges-fair-rx-act ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Soon after Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee signed into law the FAIR Rx Act, which prohibits pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) from owning or operating pharmacies, CVS filed a challenge, according to news reports. The National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) noted that CVS, Express Scripts, the Pharmaceutical Care Management Association (PCMA) and others have also filed a lawsuit challenging a similar law passed in Arkansas. The NCPA joined the Arkansas Pharmacists Association in filing a brief in support of Arkansas. CVS is challenging the law in Tennessee on constitutional grounds. 2026-06-01T10:01:28-05:00 HME News Staff https://www.hmenews.com/article/cvs-challenges-fair-rx-act#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/amazon-names-new-leader-for-amazon-health-services BELLEVUE, Wash. – Amazon has announced that Dr. Roy Schoenberg will join the company as the new leader of Amazon Health Services on July 1. The physician and entrepreneur co-founded Amwell in 2006 and spent nearly two decades as its CEO, building it from a startup into a leading telehealth platform partnering with the nation’s largest health systems, national payers and public health agencies. “But what excites me most about Roy isn't his resume—it's his conviction,” said Neil Lindsay, senior vice president of Amazon Health Services, who will be leaving the company to pursue personal projects and advisory roles. “He believes, as I do, that healthcare should be fundamentally easier for people. He believes technology and clinical excellence aren't in tension—one helps the other. And he brings the rare combination of clinical credibility, technological vision, and operational experience needed to take what we've built, to improve on it, and to scale it into something that changes how hundreds of millions of people experience health care.” Lindsay says he will work closely with Schoenberg over the coming months to ensure a seamless transition. To read more on the leadership change, go here.Photo courtesy of Amazon. 2026-06-01T09:59:33-05:00 HME News Staff https://www.hmenews.com/article/amazon-names-new-leader-for-amazon-health-services#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/cms-will-not-take-action-on-elevance-health-at-this-time WASHINGTON – The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has notified Elevance Health that it will not impose intermediate sanctions on the insurer at this time. The agency says it is satisfied that Elevance has:Completed the initial submission in its established electronic systems (Risk Adjustment Processing System, the Encounter Data Processing System and the Risk Adjustment Overpayment Reporting module); andRemitted a wire transfer of the total overpayment amount based on all auditable estimates related to the matter.CMS reminded Elevance that it has additional steps to take by June 30, 2026, to avoid intermediate sanctions effective July 1, 2026. Further, CMS says incomplete tasks and the following remaining tasks must be completed by July 31, 2026, to avoid intermediate sanctions effective Aug. 1, 2026:Resolving any issues raised during CMS technical assistance on RAOR submissions and any submission of additional overpayment amounts identified as a result of that technical assistance, including the upload to HPMS CAM of an updated spreadsheet as described in Appendix B: Remit the total overpayment;Resolving all rejections, errors, and edits identified by CMS on standard RAPS and EDPS reports; andSubmitting Attestation 2.Earlier this year, CMS said it would suspend Elevance’s ability to enroll people in its Medicare Advantage plans if the insurer didn’t comply with risk adjustment data submission requirements. 2026-06-01T09:57:34-05:00 HME News Staff https://www.hmenews.com/article/cms-will-not-take-action-on-elevance-health-at-this-time#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/campaign-launches-to-stop-bidding-for-urological-ostomy-supplies WASHINGTON – A group of national patient advocacy organizations has launched “The High Cost of Low Bids,” a campaign urging policymakers to stop the inclusion of urological and ostomy supplies in Medicare’s competitive bidding program.The campaign responds to a decision by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to include these supplies in the CBP, warning that applying a lowest-bid purchasing model to clinically complex, highly individualized products could reduce access to necessary products and increase both avoidable complications and long-term health care costs.“Patients need the right fit – not the lowest bid,” said Sara Struwe, president & CEO of the Spina Bifida Association. “For individuals living with complex medical conditions like Spina Bifida, access to the correct urological and ostomy supplies is essential to maintaining health, dignity and independence. Moving forward without clear evidence of patient safety puts vulnerable populations at unnecessary risk.”Call to action: Clinical and patient access review neededThe group, which includes national and regional patient, provider and advocacy organizations and is funded by BD, Coloplast, Convatec and Hollister, urges Congress and the administration to:Delay the implementation of competitive bidding for urological and ostomy supplies; andRequire CMS to demonstrate that patients will maintain timely access to the full range of medically necessary products, supplier choice, product quality, and clinician-directed care.The group recommends visiting the campaign’s website to urge Congress to protect patient access by requiring a formal clinical and patient access review before including urological and ostomy supplies in competitive bidding.Group predicts short-term savings will be quickly outweighedCurrently, Medicare contracts with hundreds of ostomy and urological product suppliers nationwide, and CMS has estimated that expanding competitive bidding could result in fewer than 10 national contract suppliers.The group warns this consolidation could reduce product choice, make it harder for patients to obtain the specific supplies they need and risk eliminating local suppliers, who play a critical role in ensuring timely delivery of medically necessary supplies for patients – especially those living in rural areas.“Selecting the appropriate ostomy or urological supply requires careful clinical assessment and consideration of each patient’s lived experience,” Struwe said. “Limiting access to the full range of products can have serious health consequences including leakage, skin breakdown, infection, or an avoidable emergency room visit. In many cases, the resulting complications can quickly outweigh any short-term savings gained by restricting access to appropriate supplies.”A pattern of not including urological and ostomy suppliesHistorically, Congress has excluded urological and ostomy supplies from competitive bidding: The 2003 Medicare Modernization Act deliberately removed these products due to their complexity, highly individualized usage and potential for patient infection.The group says CMS is now moving to include these products in competitive bidding, despite longstanding concerns and limited evidence that patient safety, product access and continuity of care will be protected.For a full list of the organizations that make up the group, go here.Related reading: CMS moves forward with competitive bidding. 2026-06-01T09:55:23-05:00 HME News Staff https://www.hmenews.com/article/campaign-launches-to-stop-bidding-for-urological-ostomy-supplies#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/vgm-group-adds-chief-medical-officer-to-shape-clinical-strategy WATERLOO, Iowa – VGM Group has named M. Kris Srinivasan, MD, MBA, MHSE, as chief medical officer to provide clinical leadership across the company’s non-acute health care businesses.VGM says Srinivasan will work to advance governance, medical policy oversight and evidence-based standards that support the providers and organizations that the company serves.“Kris brings a clinician’s perspective and an entrepreneurial mindset that will strengthen how we support members, partners and patients across the health care continuum,” said Jeremy Stolz, CEO of VGM Group. “In this new role, he will help guide clinical quality as we expand programs, evaluate new opportunities, and continue delivering solutions that make care more connected.”For the last 15 years, Srinivasan has focused on designing, developing and executing commercial optimization strategies for various health care organizations. He previously served on the AAHomecare board.VGM says Srinivasan will also advise the company on designing new service lines and technologies that help providers care for their patients.“I’ve spent my career focused on expanding access, improving outcomes and building programs that make high-quality care more achievable for patients and care teams,” Srinivasan said. “I’m excited to join VGM Group and help shape clinical strategy across the organization.”Related: Srinivasan participated in a panel discussion at Medtrade on strategic shifts in the HME industry. 2026-06-01T09:52:53-05:00 HME News Staff https://www.hmenews.com/article/vgm-group-adds-chief-medical-officer-to-shape-clinical-strategy#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/high-gas-prices-squeeze-hme-providers-but-most-aren-t-adjusting-operations-yet YARMOUTH, Maine – Nearly 80% of respondents to a recent HME Newspoll say high gas prices are having a moderate to significant negative impact on their businesses, putting further pressure on already thin margins.While prices vary by geography, the national average was $4.42 per gallon at press time, compared to $3.16 a year ago – an increase of nearly 40%, according to AAA.“Our profit margins were already slim before, so higher fuel costs have further reduced margins, increased operating expenses and impacted customer spending behavior,” wrote one poll respondent.Respondents hold steadyDespite the financial strain, most respondents have yet to make major operational changes. About 62% of respondents say they have made only minor or no adjustments to deliveries or service calls. Another 21% say they are considering changes, while 17% report making significant changes.“We do a lot of drop shipments,” wrote one respondent. “Our community services, we have no choice but to continue, although we do more closely watch idle time and (are) reviewing our fuel program provider for alternatives.”Others have begun to adapt their operations: “I have had to consolidate routes,” wrote one respondent.Costs rising across the boardRespondents say the impact of high gas prices extends beyond delivery logistics, driving up product and freight costs, as well – while reimbursement rates remain fixed.“(The) impact is on deliveries we have to make (and) on supplies we purchase and (the) increased delivery charges on those, while having fixed reimbursement for most items,” one respondent wrote.“My freight cost has increased 15% at this time,” wrote another respondent, “and I’m expecting it to go higher.”“Fuel prices affect price of product and freight costs, in addition to patient deliveries,” wrote one respondent. “With reduced reimbursement and the use of these TPA companies and (being) forced to use e-prescribe – those costs are squeezing us. We are reducing staff, as a result, which affects patient care.”Ongoing concern for the months aheadLooking ahead, nearly half of respondents remain worried. Forty-eight percent say they are very concerned about gas prices as a business risk over the next six months, suggesting continued volatility and limited relief.“It’s very hard for an independent company to stay in business,” wrote one respondent.Related: Medline focuses on mitigation as oil prices, tariffs shift.Cartoon credit: Steve Meyers for HME News. 2026-05-29T10:11:00-05:00 Liz Beaulieu https://www.hmenews.com/article/high-gas-prices-squeeze-hme-providers-but-most-aren-t-adjusting-operations-yet#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/dreem-health-wants-to-build-a-better-sleep-journey NEW YORK – Dreem Health has joined Amazon’s Health Benefits Connector service, a move the virtual sleep clinic says will help capture the growing momentum of patients actively seeking diagnosis and treatment.Amazon’s Health Benefits Connector service offers health plan eligibility checks for online users searching for products related to sleep and sleep health.“If they are eligible, they are guided through a dedicated enrollment flow and then proceed to potentially booking (an appointment) with us,” said Laurent Martinot, co-founder and CEO of parent company Sunrise Group. “If you pair that accessibility with the fact that you can have an appointment within one or two days, I think it’s really making a big difference. Sleep is a lot about momentum.”Dreem, which launched in 2024 and operates in all 50 states, offers a four-step process that begins with an online screening questionnaire to assess sleep health. Those who qualify can then book a telehealth appointment with a Dreem provider and, when appropriate, receive a home sleep test.Those diagnosed with sleep apnea may be referred to a DME partner or work with Dreem’s internal program, says Martinot.“It’s a seamless end-to-end experience that makes it super, super comfortable,” he said. “For the patients who want to move fast, we can do as fast as two weeks. When patients feel the benefits of the treatment – that they can cope with the CPAP, that they see that their life is being transformed – you know, you get the real adherence. So, that speed to diagnosis and treatment makes a big difference.”In September 2025, Sunrise Group announced a $29 million funding round, paving the way for Dreem to increase: access to its services, its coverage with payers and the number of providers on its team, Martinot says. “We are in that phase where we are, you know, trying to make more noise and get people being more aware of who we are and the service we provide,” he said. “And of course, working with companies like Amazon is helping a great deal.”As Dreem continues its expansion, the company also wants to make sure it produces the right outcomes for patients, says Martinot.“We want to make sure sleep care is routine and accessible for patients all over the country,” he said. “That's really what we are about and what we are going to continue to build.”Related reading on Sunrise Group & Dreem Health:Raising $29 million to expand servicesThe launch of a women’s health program Receiving FDA clearance for its home sleep test 2026-05-29T10:07:00-05:00 Theresa Flaherty https://www.hmenews.com/article/dreem-health-wants-to-build-a-better-sleep-journey#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/accessibility-conference-builds-traction-in-three-city-debut CHICAGO – The Abilities International Accessibility Conference will have its final stop of the year in Chicago June 11-12 and all signs point to the inaugural conference returning in multiple cities in 2027, says Katy Roberts.About 220 complex rehab technology (CRT) professionals attended the Accessibility Conference in Los Angeles in January and about 250 attended in New York in April, says Roberts, managing director of Raccoon Media Group, which hosts the conference as part of the Abilities Expo.“What has been great to see, coupled with the real breadth and depth of the conference, is the really hands-on aspect to it,” she said.Organizers have locked in dates for the Abilities Expo in 2027 – Jan. 14-16 in Los Angeles, April 30-May 2 in New York, and June 11-13 in Chicago – and plans to once again host the Accessibility Conference alongside it.Hands-on approach, real-world dimension drive engagementRoberts said the conference’s emphasis on practical, interactive programming has been a key differentiator, particularly within the adaptive living track.In Chicago, that track will include sessions on how service dogs can support adults and children with disabilities and how travel can expand their possibilities.“The atmosphere in those rooms has been incredible to see,” she said. “It’s one of the things that makes our conference unique.”The conference’s co-location with the Abilities Expo – which draws thousands of wheelchair users in each city – further enhances its hands-on nature, Roberts says.“I would say all attendees took advantage of that,” she said. “In New York, for example, we had a closing keynote just after lunch and then they had until 5 p.m. that day to explore the Expo.”Content partners signal ongoing supportRoberts says the Accessibility Conference has also secured commitments from many of its content partners to participate again in some capacity in 2027. Partners this year included NCART, RESNA, iNRRTS, the Clinician Task Force (CTF) and the University of Pittsburgh.“Some can’t commit 100% in all three cities; some want to do something bigger in one location,” she said. “The conversations are ongoing. The positive thing is we have some commitments.”For many of these organizations, the Accessibility Conference provides an opportunity to reach a broader audience, Roberts says.“Their attitude is, ‘If we can reach more people to teach them better service and care, that’s going to help the whole industry,’” she said.Tamara Kittelson, executive director of CTF, says the organization’s board will make the final decision about its participation in 2027.“We’re hearing quite a bit of positivity around the conference,” she said. “People like having something geographically closer to them. And I think it was a nice mix of the clinician and commercial sides and getting everyone together.”Organizers expand format, expand CEUsThere are still numerous details to iron out for 2027, including the Accessibility Conference’s length. This year’s conference ran two days and Roberts is considering whether it can be squeezed into one day or a day-and-a-half.Organizers also plan to lean more on content partners like ISS to increase the amount of CEUs offered at the conference.“We’re honest about how we have the infrastructure, we have the manpower and we have the investment potential to make it happen, but we need to draw on these experts to put on the content,” she said.CRT professionals who would like to attend the Accessibility Conference in Chicago can register with the code ABILITIESVISITOR for a reduced registration fee of $319.Photo courtesy of Raccoon Media / Abilities Expo. 2026-05-29T10:04:00-05:00 Liz Beaulieu https://www.hmenews.com/article/accessibility-conference-builds-traction-in-three-city-debut#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/king-drug-and-home-care-grows-where-access-is-thin OWENSBORO, Ky. – King Drug and Home Care’s newest location puts DME closer to where patients in Owensboro are already receiving care.Located near the hospital, doctor’s offices and a retail center, the new East-side location gives patients and referral sources another access point in a market where reimbursement pressure, consolidation and provider exits have made convenience harder to maintain.“Being close to the hospital seemed to be a no-brainer,” said Amy Willis, DME director for King Drug and Home Care. “It (also) became very evident that … we needed more staff to accommodate the increasing number of referrals coming to us from other providers that were leaving the business.”King Drug and Home Care has served western Kentucky since 1969 and now operates six locations – four with pharmacies and two with DME only. The new location, which goes by the name King Home Care, is DME only, including oxygen, CPAP and BiPAP, mobility and complex rehab technology.With reimbursement pressure making traditional delivery harder to sustain, geography is important, says Willis. Patients leaving the hospital can now stop for walkers, wheelchairs or oxygen on the way home, rather than waiting for a service technician or driving across town.“There's not many other locally owned DME providers out there,” she said. “I see a lot of holes in patient access,” she said.King Drug and Home Care is also growing its complex rehab program in rural communities and looking at service niches, including respiratory, transfer systems, ramps and home modifications. Internally, Willis said the company has invested in software, intake processes, CPAP resupply and staff training to keep pace with payer requirements.“My mission is to work with my teams and my leaders to stay a presence in our rural communities here in Kentucky,” she said. “It’s important.” 2026-05-29T10:02:00-05:00 HME News Staff https://www.hmenews.com/article/king-drug-and-home-care-grows-where-access-is-thin#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/in-brief-latest-uhc-synapse-deal-dexcom-stolen-sensors-weoxy-debut SKOKIE, Ill. – UnitedHealthcare has announced that Synapse Health will manage durable medical equipment (DME) orders for certain UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans in additional states beginning Sept. 1, 2026. For individual HMO & PPO plans, Synapse Health will manage DME for members in Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island.For chronic special needs plans (C-SNP), Synapse Health will manage DME for members in Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island.For dual special needs plans (D-SNP), Synapse Health will manage DME for members in Connecticut, Georgia and Maine.Most DME providers will need to join the Synapse Health network to continue to provide standard DME for most UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage Plan members. Synapse Health will contact them with details about joining their network, or providers can email JoinOurNetwork@synapsehealth.com.For more information on specific DME product categories affected, go here.UnitedHealthcare and Synapse Health have announced numerous expansion agreements over the last year, including in December.Related: Synapse Health leans on automation as it expands UHC contract.AAHomecare people news: A milestone, a new role and a new hireWASHINGTON – Gordon Barnes, senior director of communications for AAHomecare, will retire June 5 after being with the association for more than 20 years. Over two decades, Barnes has written more than 1,500 member communications, hosted hundreds of webinars with industry experts, and coordinated more than 3,000 Capitol Hill meetings and thousands of emails and calls to Congress, according to AAHomecare. “Gordon’s deep policy knowledge, sharp writing, and strong commitment to our mission have made the communications shop a key Association asset,” said Tom Ryan, president. “Beyond his professional contributions, we will miss Gordon’s wit and friendship. His impact will be felt for years to come.” Barnes was toasted at the recent Washington Legislative Conference. Following his retirement:Tilly Gambill will expand her role as senior director of marketing communications. The new position will further integrate policy communications, digital strategy and the overall direction of the association’s marketing and education efforts, said AAHomecare. With more than 15 years in progressive communications, marketing, and education leadership roles at AAHomecare, Gambill has built strategic campaigns, digital programs, grassroots initiatives, and member-focused events that advance patient access, strengthen advocacy and elevate the visibility and value of the organization.Jordan Cornelius has joined AAHomecare as its new marketing communications project manager. A Towson University graduate, Jordan brings a foundation in content creation, social media, brand management and event support. In this role, she will help grow education programs and events, as well as manage website updates and social media.WeOxy steps into HME channel, taps industry vet to lead salesCAMBRIDGE, Mass. – WeOxy has soft launched the WeOxy Q5, its next-gen portable oxygen concentrator (POC), and appointed industry veteran John Stelzner as vice president of sales. The company is offering qualified DME providers the opportunity to request a WeOxy Q5 at no cost to evaluate with their own patients.About John StelznerStelzner brings decades of respiratory and HME industry experience, including as vice president of sales, Eastern U.S., at Philips Respironics; vice president of sales and business development at Philips; and vice president of sales at ABM Respiratory Care, where he led the company to market leadership in cough stimulation.“WeOxy has built something genuinely different — clinically superior, operationally better for providers, and designed in a way patients will actually embrace,” he said. “After 40 years in this industry, I know how rare that combination is.”About WeOxy Q5The Q5 offers an extended battery life with fast charging speeds using a universal USB-C platform. Additional features include a three-year sieve bed warranty, a five-year overall device warranty, and a direct strap-mount design intended to reduce drop risk and eliminate the need for carrying bags. WeOxy operates on a replacement-first policy and will ship a new unit the same day if there is a problem.Dexcom warns of stolen sensors meant to be discardedSAN DIEGO – Dexcom says certain lots of Dexcom G7 sensors originally designated as scrap and intended for destruction were stolen during the destruction process, then sold by third parties.Company identifies affected lotsAt this time, Dexcom has identified two lots of Dexcom G7 sensors (1725204004 and 1725069002) that were stolen, sold and used by some customers.“Nothing matters more to Dexcom than the safety of our users and maintaining the trust of the diabetes community,” said Jake Leach, president and CEO of Dexcom. “We are treating this matter with the utmost seriousness and are working closely with regulators and other authorities to ensure user safety, determine exactly how this product was stolen and hold the perpetrators fully accountable for their crimes.”Dexcom traced sales of this stolen product back to Pharmsource, LLC, which is not an authorized Dexcom distributor but supplies some independent pharmacies and DME distributors in the United States. Pharmacies that purchased product from Pharmsource should take extra care to review their inventory.Customer notifications under wayDexcom is notifying customers directly across numerous communication channels. This issue primarily impacts the U.S., therefore communication to customers there will precede communication to customers outside of the U.S.Users with sensors from affected Dexcom G7 lots (1725204004 and 1725069002) should not use those sensors and can call Dexcom Customer Support in the U.S. at 1-844-478-1600 to request replacements. More information on how to determine if sensors are from an affected lot and what action to take is available at http://www.dexcom.com/theft-check. Dexcom is working to update this website with resources for users outside the U.S. and will notify those users as soon as it is updated.Potential risks tied to stolen productLot 1725204004: Dexcom G7 sensors that are not properly sterilized have an increased risk of skin infection.Lot 1725069002: Dexcom G7 sensors from a lot with an elevated internal testing failure rate have an increased risk of having no sensor readings available.Dexcom says there have been no reported severe adverse events associated with the stolen product.Elevance Health to expand access to digital toolsINDIANAPOLIS – Elevance Health is expanding its Get Connected for Health program to ensure that individuals – especially those in underserved communities – have the tools, connectivity and support needed to help them better manage their health care. Get Connected for Health provides eligible members with a high-quality smartphone preloaded with a curated suite of digital and virtual health tools, along with unlimited data, talk and text service at no cost. These tools include telehealth services, health plan apps, and personalized health and wellness applications designed to meet individual needs. “Consumer experience is about meeting people where they are and simplifying their health care journey,” said Saurabh Tandon, chief experience officer at Elevance Health. “By expanding access to digital tools and services, we are helping remove barriers that can prevent individuals from getting the care they need.” In addition to Get Connected for Health, CareBridge, a value-based care company within Elevance Health, supports a wide range of individuals including those enrolled in Medicaid plans, individuals in Dual-Special Needs Plans (who qualify for both Medicaid and Medicare), and people receiving home and community-based services. It provides patients with easy-to-use, cellular-enabled tablets that connect them directly to their care teams.Related: Carelon, a division of Elevance Health, acquired CareBridge in 2024.Abbott secures European clearance for dual glucose/ketone deviceABBOTT PARK, Ill. – Abbott has secured CE Mark for a dual glucose ketone sensing technology for people with diabetes. Branded as Libre Duo and Libre Duo 10 Day, the systems are designed to continuously measure glucose and ketone levels every minute, providing real-time visibility into both glucose levels needed for daily diabetes management and rising ketones that can lead to a diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) emergency. The company says this marks the first time people with diabetes will be able to monitor ketones without traditional blood or urine tests. "Abbott has a long-established pattern of setting the pace in health tech innovation," said Chris Scoggins, executive vice president of Abbott's diabetes care business. "People living with diabetes routinely tell us that the risk of serious complications is a constant part of everyday life. Our Libre Duo systems offer people with diabetes, families and healthcare providers clearer, earlier information about what's happening inside their body, allowing them to act sooner when safety matters most." Abbott plans to begin launching Libre Duo systems in select European countries later this year. Libre Duo systems will integrate with Abbott's Libre digital health ecosystem, enabling users to share glucose and ketone data with caregivers and healthcare providers. Abbott is also working with leading pump companies to allow automated insulin delivery (AID) systems to connect with the sensors. Libre Duo systems are not yet cleared or available for sale in the United States.Medline grows partnership with T.J. Regional HealthNORTHFIELD, Ill. – Medline has signed an expanded prime vendor agreement with Glasgow, Ky.-based T.J. Regional Health to provide care to patients across south-central Kentucky through its network of two hospitals and other outpatient and specialty care facilities. With this agreement, T.J. Regional Health will gain access to Medline’s portfolio of lab products, expanding its existing access to medical-surgical supplies. The agreement also provides access to Medline’s robust distribution capabilities to support more efficient ordering and reliable delivery of medical supplies. “Partnering with Medline as our lab Prime Vendor strengthens our ability to deliver timely, high-quality diagnostic services for our patients,” said Neil Thornbury, CEO of T.J. Regional Health. “Having streamlined access to a comprehensive portfolio of laboratory products, combined with reliable distribution, allows our team to operate more efficiently, maintain consistency in our testing processes and ultimately support better clinical outcomes across our organization.”Related: Medline signs agreement with REHAB Hospital of the Pacific. 2026-05-29T10:00:00-05:00 HME News Staff https://www.hmenews.com/article/in-brief-latest-uhc-synapse-deal-dexcom-stolen-sensors-weoxy-debut#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/in-brief-competitive-bidding-campaign-sanford-health-equip-acquisition-vgm-chief-medical-officer WASHINGTON – A group of national patient advocacy organizations has launched “The High Cost of Low Bids,” a campaign urging policymakers to stop the inclusion of urological and ostomy supplies in Medicare’s competitive bidding program.The campaign responds to a decision by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to include these supplies in the CBP, warning that applying a lowest-bid purchasing model to clinically complex, highly individualized products could reduce access to necessary products and increase both avoidable complications and long-term health care costs.“Patients need the right fit – not the lowest bid,” said Sara Struwe, president & CEO of the Spina Bifida Association. “For individuals living with complex medical conditions like Spina Bifida, access to the correct urological and ostomy supplies is essential to maintaining health, dignity and independence. Moving forward without clear evidence of patient safety puts vulnerable populations at unnecessary risk.”Call to action: Clinical and patient access review neededThe group, which includes national and regional patient, provider and advocacy organizations and is funded by BD, Coloplast, Convatec and Hollister, urges Congress and the administration to:Delay the implementation of competitive bidding for urological and ostomy supplies; andRequire CMS to demonstrate that patients will maintain timely access to the full range of medically necessary products, supplier choice, product quality, and clinician-directed care.The group recommends visiting the campaign’s website to urge Congress to protect patient access by requiring a formal clinical and patient access review before including urological and ostomy supplies in competitive bidding.Group predicts short-term savings will be quickly outweighedCurrently, Medicare contracts with hundreds of ostomy and urological product suppliers nationwide, and CMS has estimated that expanding competitive bidding could result in fewer than 10 national contract suppliers.The group warns this consolidation could reduce product choice, make it harder for patients to obtain the specific supplies they need and risk eliminating local suppliers, who play a critical role in ensuring timely delivery of medically necessary supplies for patients – especially those living in rural areas.“Selecting the appropriate ostomy or urological supply requires careful clinical assessment and consideration of each patient’s lived experience,” Struwe said. “Limiting access to the full range of products can have serious health consequences including leakage, skin breakdown, infection, or an avoidable emergency room visit. In many cases, the resulting complications can quickly outweigh any short-term savings gained by restricting access to appropriate supplies.”A pattern of not including urological and ostomy suppliesHistorically, Congress has excluded urological and ostomy supplies from competitive bidding: The 2003 Medicare Modernization Act deliberately removed these products due to their complexity, highly individualized usage and potential for patient infection.The group says CMS is now moving to include these products in competitive bidding, despite longstanding concerns and limited evidence that patient safety, product access and continuity of care will be protected.For a full list of the organizations that make up the group, go here.Related reading: CMS moves forward with competitive bidding.VGM Group adds chief medical officer to shape clinical strategyWATERLOO, Iowa – VGM Group has named M. Kris Srinivasan, MD, MBA, MHSE, as chief medical officer to provide clinical leadership across the company’s non-acute health care businesses.VGM says Srinivasan will work to advance governance, medical policy oversight and evidence-based standards that support the providers and organizations that the company serves.“Kris brings a clinician’s perspective and an entrepreneurial mindset that will strengthen how we support members, partners and patients across the health care continuum,” said Jeremy Stolz, CEO of VGM Group. “In this new role, he will help guide clinical quality as we expand programs, evaluate new opportunities, and continue delivering solutions that make care more connected.”For the last 15 years, Srinivasan has focused on designing, developing and executing commercial optimization strategies for various health care organizations. He previously served on the AAHomecare board.VGM says Srinivasan will also advise the company on designing new service lines and technologies that help providers care for their patients.“I’ve spent my career focused on expanding access, improving outcomes and building programs that make high-quality care more achievable for patients and care teams,” Srinivasan said. “I’m excited to join VGM Group and help shape clinical strategy across the organization.”Related: Srinivasan participated in a panel discussion at Medtrade on strategic shifts in the HME industry.CMS will not take action on Elevance Health at this timeWASHINGTON – The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has notified Elevance Health that it will not impose intermediate sanctions on the insurer at this time. The agency says it is satisfied that Elevance has:Completed the initial submission in its established electronic systems (Risk Adjustment Processing System, the Encounter Data Processing System and the Risk Adjustment Overpayment Reporting module); andRemitted a wire transfer of the total overpayment amount based on all auditable estimates related to the matter.CMS reminded Elevance that it has additional steps to take by June 30, 2026, to avoid intermediate sanctions effective July 1, 2026. Further, CMS says incomplete tasks and the following remaining tasks must be completed by July 31, 2026, to avoid intermediate sanctions effective Aug. 1, 2026:Resolving any issues raised during CMS technical assistance on RAOR submissions and any submission of additional overpayment amounts identified as a result of that technical assistance, including the upload to HPMS CAM of an updated spreadsheet as described in Appendix B: Remit the total overpayment;Resolving all rejections, errors, and edits identified by CMS on standard RAPS and EDPS reports; andSubmitting Attestation 2.Earlier this year, CMS said it would suspend Elevance’s ability to enroll people in its Medicare Advantage plans if the insurer didn’t comply with risk adjustment data submission requirements.Sanford Health Equip buys Great Plains Restorative ServicesBISMARK, N.D. – Sanford Health Equip has acquired Great Plains Restorative Services, a home medical equipment (HME) provider serving Bismarck, Dickinson and surrounding rural communities, in a move that expands its footprint into western North Dakota.As a result of the deal, patients in the area will have access to expanded resources, a broader product offering and a regional care network, Sanford Health Equip says.“Great Plains has built strong relationships and a reputation for compassionate care in the communities they serve,” said Todd Schaffer, M.D., president and CEO, Sanford Bismarck. “We are honored to build on that legacy and ensure patients continue to receive the support they need close to home.”Sanford Health Equip has about 30 locations across North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota and Iowa, providing a wide range of home health care accessories and HME, including mobility aids, respiratory and CPAP equipment, enteral nutrition supplies, orthotics and prosthetics and daily living aids.Other deal details:Patients currently receiving services through Great Plains Restorative Services will transition to Sanford Health Equip and patients will be contacted directly with information about next steps and any changes to services.Some services previously offered by Great Plains – including home and vehicle modifications – will not continue under Sanford Health Equip.Sanford Health Equip will not acquire Great Plains’ physical locations.Sanford Health Equip is the result of a merger between Sanford Health Healthcare Accessories and Sanford Health Home Medical Equipment.“This addition strengthens our ability to serve rural communities by improving access to essential equipment and services,” said Doug Okland, vice president of health services operations, Sanford Health. “We are committed to making this transition as seamless as possible while continuing to prioritize high-quality, patient-centered care.”Related: In April, Sanford Health announced that it had opened Sanford Health Equip in Bismarck, N.D., in a former Joann Fabric location.CMS finalizes changes to dispute resolution processWASHINGTON – The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has published a final rule that it says makes the Federal Independent Dispute Resolution (IDR) process more efficient and transparent, while saving money for millions of Americans. Since launching in April 2022, CMA says the Federal IDR process has received more than 5 million disputes – far exceeding expectations and creating delays and unnecessary costs. The agency says the rule addresses those bottlenecks by reducing ineligible disputes and lowering costs for providers and payers. “Americans should never be blindsided by unexpected medical bills,” said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “This rule cuts through bureaucratic delays, strengthens transparency between payers and providers, while continuing to protect patients from unnecessary financial stress. We are bringing greater clarity, accountability, and common sense to a healthcare system that too often leaves families confused and frustrated.” As finalized:The rule drops the administrative fee from $115 to $15 per party per dispute – a reduction of more than 85%.The rule also allows more flexibility for claims to be resolved together in one batched dispute, reducing costs while simultaneously speeding up decisions.The rule lays the groundwork for a new IDR Gateway – a centralized platform to manage disputes – that will launch in phases beginning in 2026To review the final rule, visit: https://www.cms.gov/files/document/federal-independent-dispute-resolution-operations-cms-9897-f.pdf.To review the CMS fact sheet, visit: https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/federal-independent-dispute-resolution-operations-final-rule.AAHomecare announces new leadership lineupWASHINGTON – AAHomecare’s membership has approved the association’s new leadership lineup, including Ryan Bullock, chief strategy officer at Aeroflow Health in Asheville, N.C., as chairman of the board. Other officers approved include:Vice chairman: David Siegel, CEO, Nationwide Medical, Calabasas, Calif.Secretary: John Cassar, CEO, SuperCare Health, Downey, Calif.Josh Marx, CEO of Medical Service Company and former chairman, will remain on the Executive Committee as immediate past chair.AAHomecare members also elected five individuals to at-large board seats for three-year terms (2026-29):Nick Bush, vice president of sales, Direct Supply, Milwaukee, Wis.Casey Hoyt, CEO, Viemed, Lafayette, La.Morten Hansen, vice president, Direct, Comfort Medical Supply, Prairie, Minn.Jim Nygren, president, VGM Insurance, Waterloo, IowaGary Sheehan, general manager, senior vice president of Diabetes, AdaptHealth, Sandwich, Mass.“A strong leadership is more important than ever,” said Tom Ryan, president & CEO of AAHomecare. “This year’s slate of officers brings a strong combination of experience, insight, passion, and commitment to the HME industry. I’m confident they will help us maintain momentum on critical priorities, from Federal advocacy efforts to payer engagement, and help us continue to elevate the role of HME.”The full list of board leaders for AAHomecare can be found here.CVS challenges FAIR Rx ActALEXANDRIA, Va. – Soon after Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee signed into law the FAIR Rx Act, which prohibits pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) from owning or operating pharmacies, CVS filed a challenge, according to news reports. The National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) noted that CVS, Express Scripts, the Pharmaceutical Care Management Association (PCMA) and others have also filed a lawsuit challenging a similar law passed in Arkansas. The NCPA joined the Arkansas Pharmacists Association in filing a brief in support of Arkansas. CVS is challenging the law in Tennessee on constitutional grounds.Amazon names new leader for Amazon Health ServicesBELLEVUE, Wash. – Amazon has announced that Dr. Roy Schoenberg will join the company as the new leader of Amazon Health Services on July 1. The physician and entrepreneur co-founded Amwell in 2006 and spent nearly two decades as its CEO, building it from a startup into a leading telehealth platform partnering with the nation’s largest health systems, national payers and public health agencies. “But what excites me most about Roy isn't his resume—it's his conviction,” said Neil Lindsay, senior vice president of Amazon Health Services, who will be leaving the company to pursue personal projects and advisory roles. “He believes, as I do, that healthcare should be fundamentally easier for people. He believes technology and clinical excellence aren't in tension—one helps the other. And he brings the rare combination of clinical credibility, technological vision, and operational experience needed to take what we've built, to improve on it, and to scale it into something that changes how hundreds of millions of people experience health care.” Lindsay says he will work closely with Schoenberg over the coming months to ensure a seamless transition. To read more on the leadership change, go here.Lifeway Mobility opens second location in VirginiaHARTFORD, Conn. – Lifeway Mobility has opened a new location in Richmond, Va., its second location in the state. The location will allow the company to better serve residents throughout the greater Richmond area and across central and eastern Virginia. “We’re excited to expand our coverage in the Commonwealth of Virginia and bring Lifeway Mobility’s personalized approach to accessibility solutions throughout the region,” said Nick Krassy, Lifeway Mobility regional vice president. “Opening in this area allows us to serve more families with solutions that help improve their safety, independence, and quality of life at home. Our local team looks forward to supporting the greater Richmond community and enhancing mobility for residents.” Lifeway Mobility will offer stair lifts, wheelchair ramps and platform lifts, bath safety solutions and transfer aids. The company now has more than 35 locations nationwide.Related: Lifeway debuts Idaho location.NSM, LUCI partner to increase access to driver assistance platformNASHVILLE, Tenn. – National Seating & Mobility (NSM) is now a preferred national partner for LUCI. NSM will play a key role in introducing LUCI’s technology to a broader range of clinics and power wheelchair riders across the United States and Canada through internal and external clinical education, technical trainings and awareness campaigns. “LUCI offers power wheelchair riders greater independence, confidence and safety in a world that’s not always designed for people who rely on mobility equipment,” said Crispin Teufel, CEO of NSM. “We’re proud to be LUCI’s Preferred National Partner in the complex rehabilitation technology (CRT) industry and excited to expand access to this life-changing technology through our more than 180 locations.” NSM has a network of more than 180 locations across the U.S. and Canada. LUCI offers an advanced driver assistance platform for power wheelchair riders using sensorfusion technology – including radar, cameras and ultrasonics – to enhance intelligent safety and performance. “At LUCI, our mission has always been to rethink what’s possible for people who rely on power mobility,” said Barry Dean, CEO and co-founder of LUCI. “Expanding our partnership with NSM helps us bring safer, smarter mobility to more people. Their nationwide expertise and deep commitment to the people they serve means more wheelchair users will have access to the safety, confidence and independence they deserve.”US Rehab, Permobil continue ‘strong partnership’WATERLOO, Iowa – U.S. Rehab, a division of VGM & Associates, has renewed its long-standing partnership with Permobil to expand product choice and strengthen the range of solutions available to members. The partnership spans Permobil’s full product portfolio, including power and manual mobility, seating and positioning solutions, power assist and PDG Mobility products. “VGM is excited to continue our strong partnership with Permobil as we work together to deliver premium complex rehab technology solutions to our membership,” states Tyler Mahncke, senior vice president of membership, VGM & Associates. “For U.S. Rehab members, this renewed collaboration delivers real, day-to-day value: streamlined access to industry-leading CRT products and solutions, greater flexibility in matching equipment to individual needs, and support to meet a broader range of mobility needs across diverse patient populations.” U.S. Rehab’s membership network encompasses more than 1,300 rehab locations. The renewed partnership with Permobil allows both companies to continue their support of complex rehab technology (CRT) providers, they say. “Permobil is proud to continue our partnership with VGM and U.S. Rehab as we work collectively to advance complex rehab technology across the industry,” adds Cody Verrett, vice president of sales, Permobil Americas. “This agreement reflects our shared commitment to innovation, clinical outcomes, and ensuring providers have access to the solutions they need to best serve individuals with complex mobility needs.”BleepSleep launches new Shopify-powered storefrontCHAPEL HILL, N.C. – BleepSleep has launched a redesigned, direct-to-consumer Shopify store at bleepsleep.com for its mask-less, strap-free CPAP solutions, the DreamPort and Eclipse. "Too many CPAP users abandon therapy not because therapy doesn't work - but because the mask makes it unbearable,” said Stuart Heatherington, founder and CEO. “DreamPort and Eclipse were designed from the ground up to solve that. No headgear. No straps. No leaks. Just therapy that patients can actually stay committed to, night after night.” The company says the newly launched Shopify-powered storefront at bleepsleep.com features intuitive product discovery, detailed fitting guides, easy reorder of consumables such as Halos adhesive interfaces, and direct access to insurance and Medicare reimbursement information. It says the new store also features a dedicated insurance, DME & VA portal, allowing qualifying patients to access products through Medicare, Medicaid and most major private insurers, lowering the cost barrier for CPAP users who have been priced out of comfortable alternatives.Related: Bleep names technology expert to board.LUX Infusion promotes Dan Teich as it targets 50 locations nationwidePLANTATION, Fla. – LUX Infusion, which provides both home and ambulatory center services, has promoted Dan Teich to senior vice president, Market Access. In this expanded role, he will be responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive strategy that aligns the company's market access partnerships across pharmaceutical manufacturers, specialty distributors, group purchasing organizations and health plan payers with LUX Infusion's mission to expand patient access to high-quality, accessible infusion care. "Dan has been an exceptional leader in shaping our trade relationships, and this promotion reflects both his contributions and our confidence in his vision," said Ted Kramm, CEO of LUX Infusion. "By unifying trade relations and managed care under his leadership, we are creating a more integrated approach to how we work with our partners, positioning LUX Infusion to deliver greater value across the entire specialty infusion ecosystem." Teich brings more than 15 years of expertise in pharmacy operations, supply chain management, contract negotiation, and executive leadership across the specialty infusion, health system, and retail pharmacy sectors. Prior to joining LUX Infusion, he served as vice president of Health Systems Manufacturer Relations at Cencora (formerly AmerisourceBergen), where he led negotiations of specialty and biosimilar GPO contracts for health systems. LUX Infusion says this new leadership structure reflects its broader commitment to building a fully integrated infusion services platform that leverages strong partner relationships to drive superior clinical outcomes, operational efficiency, and expanded patient access as the company continues its growth toward more than 50 infusion locations nationwide.Related: BioMatrix buys LUX Infusion, expands its home infusion nursing capabilities.Pure Infusion makes official debutSANDY, Utah – Pure Infusion has officially launched its new brand name, formed through the merger of AleraCare and Pure Healthcare. “At Pure Infusion, we are redefining what patients and providers should expect from infusion care,” said Brady Porter, chief commercial officer. “Our new, unified brand reinforces this commitment and going forward we are deeply focused on further enhancing the core attributes both legacy organizations excelled at: providing exceptional clinical care, seamless coordination, and operating with a deeply human approach to every interaction.” Pure Infusion encompasses more than 75 locations across 14 states, serving more than 5,000 patients each month. The company says its growing national footprint enables greater access to high-quality infusion care while maintaining a localized, patient-first approach—helping providers and patients alike benefit from more convenient, cost-effective treatment options closer to home.Related: AleraCare, Pure Healthcare are stronger together, Joe Cosgrove says. 2026-05-29T10:00:00-05:00 HME News Staff https://www.hmenews.com/article/in-brief-competitive-bidding-campaign-sanford-health-equip-acquisition-vgm-chief-medical-officer#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/aahomecare-people-news-a-milestone-a-new-role-and-a-new-hire WASHINGTON – Gordon Barnes, senior director of communications for AAHomecare, will retire June 5 after being with the association for more than 20 years. Over two decades, Barnes has written more than 1,500 member communications, hosted hundreds of webinars with industry experts, and coordinated more than 3,000 Capitol Hill meetings and thousands of emails and calls to Congress, according to AAHomecare. “Gordon’s deep policy knowledge, sharp writing, and strong commitment to our mission have made the communications shop a key Association asset,” said Tom Ryan, president. “Beyond his professional contributions, we will miss Gordon’s wit and friendship. His impact will be felt for years to come.” Barnes was toasted at the recent Washington Legislative Conference. Following his retirement:Tilly Gambill will expand her role as senior director of marketing communications. The new position will further integrate policy communications, digital strategy and the overall direction of the association’s marketing and education efforts, said AAHomecare. With more than 15 years in progressive communications, marketing, and education leadership roles at AAHomecare, Gambill has built strategic campaigns, digital programs, grassroots initiatives, and member-focused events that advance patient access, strengthen advocacy and elevate the visibility and value of the organization.Jordan Cornelius has joined AAHomecare as its new marketing communications project manager. A Towson University graduate, Jordan brings a foundation in content creation, social media, brand management and event support. In this role, she will help grow education programs and events, as well as manage website updates and social media. 2026-05-28T13:54:00-05:00 HME News Staff https://www.hmenews.com/article/aahomecare-people-news-a-milestone-a-new-role-and-a-new-hire#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/weoxy-steps-into-hme-channel-taps-industry-vet-to-lead-sales CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – WeOxy has soft launched the WeOxy Q5, its next-gen portable oxygen concentrator (POC), and appointed industry veteran John Stelzner as vice president of sales. The company is offering qualified DME providers the opportunity to request a WeOxy Q5 at no cost to evaluate with their own patients.About John StelznerStelzner brings decades of respiratory and HME industry experience, including as vice president of sales, Eastern U.S., at Philips Respironics; vice president of sales and business development at Philips; and vice president of sales at ABM Respiratory Care, where he led the company to market leadership in cough stimulation.“WeOxy has built something genuinely different — clinically superior, operationally better for providers, and designed in a way patients will actually embrace,” he said. “After 40 years in this industry, I know how rare that combination is.”About WeOxy Q5The Q5 offers an extended battery life with fast charging speeds using a universal USB-C platform. Additional features include a three-year sieve bed warranty, a five-year overall device warranty, and a direct strap-mount design intended to reduce drop risk and eliminate the need for carrying bags. WeOxy operates on a replacement-first policy and will ship a new unit the same day if there is a problem. 2026-05-28T13:52:44-05:00 HME News Staff https://www.hmenews.com/article/weoxy-steps-into-hme-channel-taps-industry-vet-to-lead-sales#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/uhc-synapse-health-expand-dme-agreement-to-northeast SKOKIE, Ill. – UnitedHealthcare has announced that Synapse Health will manage durable medical equipment (DME) orders for certain UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans in additional states beginning Sept. 1, 2026. For individual HMO & PPO plans, Synapse Health will manage DME for members in Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island.For chronic special needs plans (C-SNP), Synapse Health will manage DME for members in Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island.For dual special needs plans (D-SNP), Synapse Health will manage DME for members in Connecticut, Georgia and Maine.Most DME providers will need to join the Synapse Health network to continue to provide standard DME for most UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage Plan members. Synapse Health will contact them with details about joining their network, or providers can email JoinOurNetwork@synapsehealth.com.For more information on specific DME product categories affected, go here.UnitedHealthcare and Synapse Health have announced numerous expansion agreements over the last year, including in December.Related: Synapse Health leans on automation as it expands UHC contract. 2026-05-28T13:50:43-05:00 HME News Staff https://www.hmenews.com/article/uhc-synapse-health-expand-dme-agreement-to-northeast#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/elevance-health-to-expand-access-to-digital-tools INDIANAPOLIS – Elevance Health is expanding its Get Connected for Health program to ensure that individuals – especially those in underserved communities – have the tools, connectivity and support needed to help them better manage their health care. Get Connected for Health provides eligible members with a high-quality smartphone preloaded with a curated suite of digital and virtual health tools, along with unlimited data, talk and text service at no cost. These tools include telehealth services, health plan apps, and personalized health and wellness applications designed to meet individual needs. “Consumer experience is about meeting people where they are and simplifying their health care journey,” said Saurabh Tandon, chief experience officer at Elevance Health. “By expanding access to digital tools and services, we are helping remove barriers that can prevent individuals from getting the care they need.” In addition to Get Connected for Health, CareBridge, a value-based care company within Elevance Health, supports a wide range of individuals including those enrolled in Medicaid plans, individuals in Dual-Special Needs Plans (who qualify for both Medicaid and Medicare), and people receiving home and community-based services. It provides patients with easy-to-use, cellular-enabled tablets that connect them directly to their care teams.Related: Carelon, a division of Elevance Health, acquired CareBridge in 2024. 2026-05-27T09:44:00-05:00 HME News Staff https://www.hmenews.com/article/elevance-health-to-expand-access-to-digital-tools#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/abbott-secures-european-clearance-for-dual-glucose-ketone-device ABBOTT PARK, Ill. – Abbott has secured CE Mark for a dual glucose ketone sensing technology for people with diabetes. Branded as Libre Duo and Libre Duo 10 Day, the systems are designed to continuously measure glucose and ketone levels every minute, providing real-time visibility into both glucose levels needed for daily diabetes management and rising ketones that can lead to a diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) emergency. The company says this marks the first time people with diabetes will be able to monitor ketones without traditional blood or urine tests. "Abbott has a long-established pattern of setting the pace in health tech innovation," said Chris Scoggins, executive vice president of Abbott's diabetes care business. "People living with diabetes routinely tell us that the risk of serious complications is a constant part of everyday life. Our Libre Duo systems offer people with diabetes, families and healthcare providers clearer, earlier information about what's happening inside their body, allowing them to act sooner when safety matters most." Abbott plans to begin launching Libre Duo systems in select European countries later this year. Libre Duo systems will integrate with Abbott's Libre digital health ecosystem, enabling users to share glucose and ketone data with caregivers and healthcare providers. Abbott is also working with leading pump companies to allow automated insulin delivery (AID) systems to connect with the sensors. Libre Duo systems are not yet cleared or available for sale in the United States. 2026-05-27T09:42:00-05:00 HME News Staff https://www.hmenews.com/article/abbott-secures-european-clearance-for-dual-glucose-ketone-device#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/medline-grows-partnership-with-t-j-regional-health NORTHFIELD, Ill. – Medline has signed an expanded prime vendor agreement with Glasgow, Ky.-based T.J. Regional Health to provide care to patients across south-central Kentucky through its network of two hospitals and other outpatient and specialty care facilities. With this agreement, T.J. Regional Health will gain access to Medline’s portfolio of lab products, expanding its existing access to medical-surgical supplies. The agreement also provides access to Medline’s robust distribution capabilities to support more efficient ordering and reliable delivery of medical supplies. “Partnering with Medline as our lab Prime Vendor strengthens our ability to deliver timely, high-quality diagnostic services for our patients,” said Neil Thornbury, CEO of T.J. Regional Health. “Having streamlined access to a comprehensive portfolio of laboratory products, combined with reliable distribution, allows our team to operate more efficiently, maintain consistency in our testing processes and ultimately support better clinical outcomes across our organization.”Related: Medline signs agreement with REHAB Hospital of the Pacific. 2026-05-27T09:40:00-05:00 HME News Staff https://www.hmenews.com/article/medline-grows-partnership-with-t-j-regional-health#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/dexcom-warns-of-stolen-sensors-meant-to-be-discarded SAN DIEGO – Dexcom says certain lots of Dexcom G7 sensors originally designated as scrap and intended for destruction were stolen during the destruction process, then sold by third parties.Company identifies affected lotsAt this time, Dexcom has identified two lots of Dexcom G7 sensors (1725204004 and 1725069002) that were stolen, sold and used by some customers.“Nothing matters more to Dexcom than the safety of our users and maintaining the trust of the diabetes community,” said Jake Leach, president and CEO of Dexcom. “We are treating this matter with the utmost seriousness and are working closely with regulators and other authorities to ensure user safety, determine exactly how this product was stolen and hold the perpetrators fully accountable for their crimes.”Unauthorized distributor tied to product salesDexcom traced sales of this stolen product back to Pharmsource, LLC, which is not an authorized Dexcom distributor but supplies some independent pharmacies and DME distributors in the United States. Pharmacies that purchased product from Pharmsource should take extra care to review their inventory.Customer notifications under wayDexcom is notifying customers directly across numerous communication channels. This issue primarily impacts the U.S., therefore communication to customers there will precede communication to customers outside of the U.S.Users with sensors from affected Dexcom G7 lots (1725204004 and 1725069002) should not use those sensors and can call Dexcom Customer Support in the U.S. at 1-844-478-1600 to request replacements. More information on how to determine if sensors are from an affected lot and what action to take is available at http://www.dexcom.com/theft-check. Dexcom is working to update this website with resources for users outside the U.S. and will notify those users as soon as it is updated.Potential risks tied to stolen productLot 1725204004: Dexcom G7 sensors that are not properly sterilized have an increased risk of skin infection.Lot 1725069002: Dexcom G7 sensors from a lot with an elevated internal testing failure rate have an increased risk of having no sensor readings available.Dexcom says there have been no reported severe adverse events associated with the stolen product. 2026-05-27T09:38:00-05:00 HME News Staff https://www.hmenews.com/article/dexcom-warns-of-stolen-sensors-meant-to-be-discarded#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/f-p-fields-questions-on-mask-pipeline-tariff-impact AUCKLAND, New Zealand – Analysts pressed Fisher & Paykel Healthcare executives during a recent earnings call on the company’s lack of new full-face mask launches for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), even as other product categories continue to gain traction.Analyst Ben Crozier described the full-face mask category as “a bit of a headwind” for F&P, noting it has been offset by more recent and frequent launches in other categories, including the F&P Solo (nasal), F&P Nova (micro nasal) and F&P Nova Nasal, which launched in the United States in January.“That’s all a fair assumption – all quite accurate,” said Lewis Gradon, managing director and CEO, in response to that assessment.F&P reported mask revenue was up 7% in fiscal 2026, or 5% in constant currency terms. Analysts indicated that the performance suggested a loss in market share, but Gradon attributed it to tough double-digit comparisons from previous years.Why full-face mask launches have been delayedAnalyst Marcus Curley followed, asking about the challenges F&P is experiencing in the full-face mask category.“We haven’t seen a full-face mask in OSA in a while; I was sort of expecting to see one,” he said.Gradon said the delay reflects F&P’s product philosophy: The company will only launch a product “where our customers, dealers, patients can see a difference.”“When we're running our R&D programs, we're aiming at a perceivable difference,” he said. “Whether we like it or not, that takes as long as it takes. No matter the planning and the strategies and the schedules that go in, we don't know we've hit that metric till we hit it. I think it's as simple as that.”Curley responded, asking whether that meant the company has experienced several false starts.“Fair assessment,” Gradon said. “When it takes longer, that’s probably had more iterations in it.”Tariffs, Middle East conflict weigh on marginsThe uncertain U.S. tariff environment led F&P to factor in a 70-basis-point adverse impact to gross margin in constant currency terms—an improvement of 20 basis points compared to last year, company officials said.“Tariffs actually help us year over year, 2027 from 2026,” said CFO Lyndal York.Offsetting that, the conflict in the Middle East is expected to impact raw materials by 45 basis points and freight by an additional 25 basis points, company officials said.“We have a very seasoned and experienced team of supply chain professionals, and we’ve got longstanding supportive working relationships with our suppliers, and they have all been working long and hard from the very beginning to mitigate the impact of this conflict on our supply of medical devices,” Gradon said.Related: F&P highlights full-face masks in new campaign. 2026-05-27T08:36:04-05:00 Liz Beaulieu https://www.hmenews.com/article/f-p-fields-questions-on-mask-pipeline-tariff-impact#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/f-p-sees-high-single-digit-boost-from-recent-mask-launches AUCKLAND, New Zealand – Fisher & Paykel Healthcare reported revenue of $802.7 million for the 2026 financial year for its Homecare product group, an 8% increased compared to the previous year.Revenue from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) masks was up 7%.“Our latest mask ranges, the F&P Solo and F&P Nova, continued to drive OSA mask growth,” said Lewis Gradon, managing director and CEO. “Our newest offering, the F&P Nova Nasal, was launched in the United States this past January to a positive reception.” F&P reported total operating revenue of $2.31 billion, a 14% increase, and net profit after tax of $468.5 million, a 25% increase.For the Hospital product group, the company reported revenue of $1.5 billion, an 18% increase. Sales from hospital consumables were up 16%.“Our Hospital business performed strongly across the portfolio of therapies globally,” Gradon said.  “We were especially encouraged by consumables growth, given it occurred during a period in which hospital admissions for seasonal respiratory illnesses in the United States and other major markets appeared to be subdued compared to the previous year. This suggests that changing clinical practice continues to be a strong growth driver.”F&P expects the following performance for the 2027 financial year:Operating revenue to be in the range of approximately $2.45 billion to $2.57 billion; andNet profit after tax to be in the range of approximately $500 million to $550 million.  Related: F&P raises guidance. 2026-05-26T11:05:00-05:00 HME News Staff https://www.hmenews.com/article/f-p-sees-high-single-digit-boost-from-recent-mask-launches#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/rep-bean-targets-dme-scammers-with-new-bill WASHINGTON – Rep. Aaron Bean, R-Fla., has introduced H.R. 8871, the DME Scammer Prevention Act, to require the electronic submission of DME products most susceptible to fraud within 90 days of the initial claim date. The current submission deadline is 365 days, which Bean says allows fraudulent vendors to take advantage of the payment system. “Rising fraud and criminal activity threaten to undermine the Medicare system for Northeast Floridians and seniors across the country,” he said. “We have an obligation to ensure that taxpayer dollars are used to care for our most vulnerable – not lining the pockets of fraudsters who exploit gaps in the system. This legislation strengthens accountability, improves oversight and helps modernize the way claims are processed so legitimate patients get the care they need without delay or abuse of the system.” The bill would also direct the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a comprehensive review of the technology used by the Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) to screen and process claims. This report, Bean says, will help to identify gaps in current fraud detection tools and recommend improvements to better protect the Medicare system. The full text of Bean’s bill can be found here. 2026-05-26T11:03:00-05:00 HME News Staff https://www.hmenews.com/article/rep-bean-targets-dme-scammers-with-new-bill#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/ncpa-celebrates-pbm-bill-passing-in-tennessee ALEXANDRIA, Va. – The National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) applauds Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee for signing the Freedom, Access and Integrity in Registered Pharmacy (FAIR Rx) Act (Senate Bill 2040/House Bill 1959) into law, making the state the second to pass legislation prohibiting pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) from owning or operating pharmacies. The NCPA supported the Tennessee Pharmacists Association’s leadership on the FAIR Rx Act as it moved through the legislative process. “An enormous conflict of interest exists when a giant corporate PBM or insurance plan owns and operates its own pharmacy,” said NCPA CEO B. Douglas Hoey, pharmacist, MBA. “This legislation simply gives these health care giants a choice — you can be a PBM or you can be a pharmacy but you can’t be both. The FAIR Rx Act provides structural change that strikes at the crux of that conflict. We applaud the governor and legislators for their courage, withstanding tremendous pressure from the PBM-insurer lobby to pass this bill and defend Tennessee’s patients, taxpayers, and pharmacies.” This follows a similar piece of legislation signed into law in Arkansas last year. A federal bill to require companies that own health insurers or PBMs to divest their pharmacy businesses was reintroduced in Congress on May 13. 2026-05-26T10:58:32-05:00 HME News Staff https://www.hmenews.com/article/ncpa-celebrates-pbm-bill-passing-in-tennessee#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/vitacore-receives-approval-in-canada-for-its-custom-fit-cpap-mask VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Vitacore has received a Medical Device License (MDL) from Health Canada for FormFit, a fully custom-fit medical-grade silicone CPAP mask, the first of its kind, the company says. With regulatory approval secured, Vitacore is officially launching FormFit across Canada, direct-to-consumer at vitacore.com/formfit and through participating sleep clinics and health care providers nationwide. “One of the fundamental problems in CPAP therapy is that we’ve been trying to fit an extremely diverse range of facial shapes into a small number of generic mask designs,” said Mikhail Moore, president of Vitacore. “The medical device industry has long assumed that mass production and true personalization are incompatible. FormFit proves they are not. We've built a platform that translates each patient's unique anatomy into a manufactured, medical-grade product with no compromises, no generic shells, no 'best available size.' FormFit is the first product on this platform, and I believe it represents the future of how personalized medical devices will be designed and built.” Vitacore says its proprietary technology converts a short smartphone facial scan into a high-resolution 3D facial model, which is then used to produce a precisely fitted mask that is manufactured in Canada. FormFit is compatible with CPAP, APAP and BiPAP therapy devices. With the Canadian launch underway, Vitacore is also preparing a submission to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 2026-05-26T10:54:04-05:00 HME News Staff https://www.hmenews.com/article/vitacore-receives-approval-in-canada-for-its-custom-fit-cpap-mask#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/three-men-sentenced-for-submitting-6-9m-fraudulent-claims-for-braces WASHINGTON – Three Florida men have been sentenced to prison for their participation in a scheme to defraud Medicare and launder more than $2.2 million in illicit health care fraud proceeds, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ).Marco Scamarone, 34, of Tamarac, Florida, was sentenced to 70 months in prison.Jose Mendez, 34, of Coral Springs, Florida, was sentenced to 78 months in prison.Renee Vazquez, 33, of Tamarac, Florida, was sentenced to 60 months in prison.According to court documents and statements made in court, the defendants owned and operated two fraudulent durable medical equipment (DME) companies: Braces and Orthotics LLC, located in the Eastern District of Virginia, and Stone Oak Durable Medical Equipment LLC, located in the Southern District of Florida. Between January 2022 and February 2023, the fraudulent DME companies submitted approximately $6.9 million in fraudulent claims to Medicare for orthotic braces that were medically unnecessary and ineligible for Medicare reimbursement. The conspiracy involved illegal kickbacks and bribes paid to an offshore marketing company exchange for the referral of beneficiaries and fraudulent doctors’ orders. The three men conspired to launder the proceeds of their fraud through a series of shell companies under their control or the control of their associates — ultimately laundering more than $2.2 million in illicit funds for their own benefit and the benefit of their co-conspirators. 2026-05-26T10:52:35-05:00 HME News Staff https://www.hmenews.com/article/three-men-sentenced-for-submitting-6-9m-fraudulent-claims-for-braces#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/accendra-health-announces-exchange-offer-consent-solicitations RICHMOND, Va. – Accendra Health has commenced an offer to exchange any and all of the company’s outstanding 4.5% senior notes due 2029 and 6.625% senior notes due 2030. Eligible holders of 2029 notes that participate in the new money notes issuance will be able to exchange such 2029 notes for newly issued 9% senior secured first lien notes due 2032 and newly issued 9.75% senior secured second lien notes due 2033. Eligible holders of 2029 notes that do not participate in the new money notes issuance and eligible holders of 2030 notes will be able to exchange such notes for second lien notes. In addition, the company is soliciting consents from eligible holders of the existing notes to adopt certain proposed amendments to the indentures governing the existing notes to eliminate substantially all of the affirmative and negative covenants, eliminate certain events of default, modify covenants regarding mergers and consolidations and modify or eliminate certain other provisions contained in the existing notes indentures, including provisions related to defeasance. In connection with the exchange offer for the 2029 notes, the company is also offering $326.25 million in aggregate principal amount of newly issued first lien notes for cash. The new notes will be issued by the company and guaranteed on a senior secured basis by its existing and future wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries, including each subsidiary guarantor of the existing Notes. Each eligible holder of 2029 notes will only be entitled to receive the new money participant early exchange consideration if they tender their 2029 notes at or prior to the early exchange time and deliver in cash their pro rata cash portion of $65.25 million in aggregate principal amount of first lien notes to the exchange agent by the funding date. FMI, go here.Related: Accendra Health lags in Q1 but lays groundwork for standalone status. 2026-05-26T10:51:34-05:00 HME News Staff https://www.hmenews.com/article/accendra-health-announces-exchange-offer-consent-solicitations#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/stakeholders-look-to-congress-to-pressure-cms-on-competitive-bidding WASHINGTON – Stakeholders urged members of the House Committee on Small Business during a recent Hill day to hold the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) accountable for a new remote-item delivery (RID) framework for competitive bidding that they say will decimate small businesses.Ahead of the fly-in, stakeholders have also been engaging the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to raise similar concerns.“We had a good meeting with committee members and they said, ‘We need a debriefing and hearings from CMS on this,’” said Tom Ryan, president and CEO of AAHomecare. “It would be a big deal to have a hearing to put CMS on record on how they’ve considered small businesses (in this program). We think it would be a difficult hearing for them.”Stakeholders say the RID model – which would require national fulfillment capabilities – effectively excludes smaller providers, despite competitive bidding rules intended to accommodate their participation. They point to market data as evidence: CMS expects to award contracts to only 10 urological and ostomy providers, resulting in a 92% reduction in providers nationwide. For CGMs, it’s an 80% reduction.One of the industry’s primary requests is for CMS to scale down the RID framework to regional markets instead of a national model.“That’s a simple sub-regulatory fix,” Ryan said.Simultaneous push to delay competitive biddingStakeholders also used the fly-in to make their case to potential sponsors for separate bills to delay competitive bidding for continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and urological/ostomy supplies. There is a bill currently in the Senate to delay the program for CGMs for five years, but they’re working with both chambers on a more comprehensive bill for each product category.With momentum from the fly-in, stakeholders expect these bills to be introduced soon – then the industry’s job is to be prepared to attach them to a broader health care package, possibly later this year.“As the bidding process moves forward, it gets more difficult to change, but we do have time,” said Jay Witter, senior vice president of public policy for AAHomecare. “It’s an ongoing process, but the bills will be great tools to show support from committees of jurisdiction and congressional leadership.”CMS is planning to announce specific dates for registration and bidding, as well as the lead items and number of contracts for each category, in late spring/early summer. It expects contracts to go into effect no later than Jan. 1, 2028.With fly-in momentum, industry shifts to follow upThe fly-in generated 215 meetings with congressional offices, including:62 meetings with committees of jurisdiction (up from 55 last year); and28 meetings directly with members of Congress (up from 11 last year).The work now is continuing to leverage the connections made and the conversations had during the fly-in. VGM & Associates is making a push for its members to follow up with stories from constituents about the importance of a robust and healthy HME industry.“What we need to do is use the fly-in as a springboard,” said Ike Isaacson, senior vice president of government & regulatory relations for VGM. “We need to follow up and update elected officials and continue our story with them. The squeaky wheel gets the grease.”Stakeholders are also following up on a recent meeting with CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz by sending a letter to him, as well as the agency’s staff, reiterating concerns and spelling out changes that can be made to the program through sub-regulation and formal rulemaking.“The overall message from Dr. Oz and other CMS and HHS officials is that they are open to changes,” Witter said. “That’s not something that they’ve indicated in the past.”Photo courtesy of AAHomecare. 2026-05-22T10:11:00-05:00 Liz Beaulieu https://www.hmenews.com/article/stakeholders-look-to-congress-to-pressure-cms-on-competitive-bidding#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/hands-on-crt-product-expo-restarts-bill-boosts-awareness WASHINGTON – The Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) Product Expo in Washington, D.C., on May 13 was a hit, organizers say, even drawing appearances by Reps. John Joyce, R-Pa., and Dan Meuser, R-Pa.Joyce, a doctor, and Rep. Vern Buchanon, R-Fla., introduced H.R. 1703, a bill to improve access to titanium and carbon fiber wheelchairs, in February 2025. Meuser is also an industry champion and brother of Scott Meuser, chairman and CEO of Pride Mobility Products.“To have them in the room and address the crowd and meet folks and use the chairs and see why it’s so important – it really solidified our position,” said Ike Isaacson, senior vice president of government & regulations for VGM Group, whose U.S. Rehab division was a sponsor of the event, along with NCART and iNRRTS.Legislation gains traction – in real timeIn a stroke of perfect timing, the Health Subcommittee of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce also held a markup of H.R. 1703 on May 13, allowing some attendees to observe the legislative process in real time. The Health Subcommittee forwarded the bill by voice vote that afternoon and the Energy and Commerce Committee passed it on May 21.Stakeholders believe H.R. 1703 or its companion bill in the Senate, S. 247, will move forward through expedited, fast-track legislative procedures – suspension of the rules in the House or hotline in the Senate.“The (Product Expo and the Washington Legislative Conference) and the mark up restarted everything,” said Jay Witter, senior vice president of public policy for AAHomecare. “Whoever moves first, the other side will pass it. It’s in the best position it’s ever been in.”The bills, which are budget neutral, would create two new HCPCS codes for the base of an ultralight manual wheelchair – one code for a base with titanium or carbon fiber, and one for a base without these specialized materials – and would allow for upgrading within a code.Industry sees growing awarenessAll told, about 40 legislators, staffers and other D.C.-adjacent officials attended the event, which featured a broad range of CRT – everything from adult wheelchairs to power assist devices to pediatric standers – from more than 10 manufacturers.A liaison from the White House also attended. “That reaches (our exposure) farther into the executive branch, which is a good thing,” said Wayne Grau, executive director of NCART.In the wake of the Product Expo, Grau says he has received a number of emails from attendees.“Some asked if we were doing it again next year – that’s always a good thing,” he said. “Even some of the staffers said to me, ‘Thank you so much for inviting me; that was very eye opening for us.’”Photo courtesy of NCART. 2026-05-22T10:09:00-05:00 Liz Beaulieu https://www.hmenews.com/article/hands-on-crt-product-expo-restarts-bill-boosts-awareness#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/preparedness-varies-as-ventilator-ncd-requirement-takes-hold LIVINGSTON, Tenn. – Providers recently had to report on adherence for respiratory assist devices (RADs) and home mechanical ventilators (HMVs) for the first time as part of a new Medicare national coverage determination (NCD). Encore Healthcare CEO Zach Gantt spoke with HME News about how prepared providers were to meet the new requirement.HME News: What are you seeing in terms of providers being prepared?Zach Gantt: A wide range of preparedness, I would say. We've seen some customers who were already doing a really good job with outcomes and were kind of prepared for this, and their compliance is really high. Others haven’t caught wind of (the change) and are struggling to get prepared.HME: What should providers consider as they work to get up to speed on the NCD?Gantt: Ask yourself, “How do I qualify patients up front under the new NCD?” That's what most people have already kind of conquered or are starting to conquer. And then, “How do I manage my overall compliance number?” Because that overall compliance number is going to greatly affect revenue. Moving the needle in respiratory ventilation by one or two points greatly affects revenue, and it’s got to be ongoing compliance.HME: Are providers worried about the potential impact of the NCD on their businesses?Gantt: What we've seen is some companies are predicting that their business is going to be cut by 50% or more with the new guidelines. Others are predicting it's going to grow. What we're seeing is that you're going to see a drop-off for a period, because everybody's getting used to the new rules, and you have to teach the doctors how to do it, and then you'll see the uptick kind of comeback. But if you look at ventilator sales across the country, it's definitely gone down the last six months. But I believe it'll recover.HME: What advice do you have for providers who may be asking what they should do to get up to speed on the NCD?Gantt: I think connecting with the experts, getting involved in some of these conversations that happen with AAHomecare, HME News (and other industry groups). We've got a website we set up that's called ncdready.com. It’s all the NCD information in one place – where you get the NCD, different videos and listen to podcasts with VGM that we put out. 2026-05-22T10:04:00-05:00 Theresa Flaherty https://www.hmenews.com/article/preparedness-varies-as-ventilator-ncd-requirement-takes-hold#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/don-t-be-that-guy-bill-fredericks-on-advocacy-that-works WASHINGTON – Bill Fredericks jumped into advocating for the home medical equipment (HME) industry more than 20 years ago when Massachusetts Medicaid was implementing cuts and he needed to learn what was going on – and what he could do about it.“That's when I first found the Home Medical Equipment and Services association (HOMES) and Karyn Estrella (its former executive director), so I joined that immediately,” he said. “As the owner of a small company, I needed to find out exactly what was going on, not through newsletters or emails. I needed to be there to actually see it and what the reasoning was behind it.”Fredericks, CEO of Allcare Medical Supply, was recently recognized with the 2026 Mal Mixon Legislative Award for his work on behalf of the industry at the AAHomecare Washington Legislative Conference.Fredericks spoke with HME News recently about his passion for advocacy and the importance of not being “that guy.”HME News: How did your early success with MassHealth set you on the advocacy path?Bill Fredericks: We got together a group of people and brought patients up to the state house in Massachusetts and told them how the cuts hurt us. They rescinded the cuts at the time, and it opened up a dialogue between MassHealth and HOMES that's continued to this day. We have a good relationship and any time that there's going to be changes coming up or they want opinions on things from our perspective, they call us first.HME: How is relationship building key to successful advocacy work?Fredericks: It’s absolutely critical. You don’t want to be that guy that only shows up when there’s a problem. You get to know all these people, even on a broader basis, and they get to know you personally through different conferences. We always invited the MassHealth people to the HOMES conference and then we would hang out afterwards, so they got to know us as people.HME: You recently attended the AAHomecare Washington Legislative Conference. Why is it important to be active on both a state and federal level?Fredericks: I feel more comfortable staying local. We have a quarterly meeting so we're more in touch with each other on a regular basis. But the more I saw how decisions get made on the federal level and then they trickle down to the state level, I thought, well, I want to get involved with AAHomecare and know what's going on the federal level and how it’s going to affect my company and, ultimately, my patients.HME: What did you learn from Karyn Estrella about advocating for HME?Fredericks: Karyn was fearless and driven and there was really no room that she didn't feel comfortable in. That kind of taught me that you don't have to feel intimidated doing any of this. They're people just like us. There’s so many leaders in this industry and there's always a group of people that take the forefront and rise to the occasion. When I was up on the Hill this time, I saw some young guys in the industry that are doing it. I think that it bodes well for the industry to see that. 2026-05-22T09:58:00-05:00 Theresa Flaherty https://www.hmenews.com/article/don-t-be-that-guy-bill-fredericks-on-advocacy-that-works#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/in-brief-scam-prevention-pbm-protection-accendra-offer WASHINGTON – Rep. Aaron Bean, R-Fla., has introduced H.R. 8871, the DME Scammer Prevention Act, to require the electronic submission of DME products most susceptible to fraud within 90 days of the initial claim date. The current submission deadline is 365 days, which Bean says allows fraudulent vendors to take advantage of the payment system. “Rising fraud and criminal activity threaten to undermine the Medicare system for Northeast Floridians and seniors across the country,” he said. “We have an obligation to ensure that taxpayer dollars are used to care for our most vulnerable – not lining the pockets of fraudsters who exploit gaps in the system. This legislation strengthens accountability, improves oversight and helps modernize the way claims are processed so legitimate patients get the care they need without delay or abuse of the system.” The bill would also direct the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a comprehensive review of the technology used by the Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) to screen and process claims. This report, Bean says, will help to identify gaps in current fraud detection tools and recommend improvements to better protect the Medicare system. The full text of Bean’s bill can be found here.NCPA celebrates PBM bill passing in TennesseeALEXANDRIA, Va. – The National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) applauds Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee for signing the Freedom, Access and Integrity in Registered Pharmacy (FAIR Rx) Act (Senate Bill 2040/House Bill 1959) into law, making the state the second to pass legislation prohibiting pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) from owning or operating pharmacies. The NCPA supported the Tennessee Pharmacists Association’s leadership on the FAIR Rx Act as it moved through the legislative process. “An enormous conflict of interest exists when a giant corporate PBM or insurance plan owns and operates its own pharmacy,” said NCPA CEO B. Douglas Hoey, pharmacist, MBA. “This legislation simply gives these health care giants a choice — you can be a PBM or you can be a pharmacy but you can’t be both. The FAIR Rx Act provides structural change that strikes at the crux of that conflict. We applaud the governor and legislators for their courage, withstanding tremendous pressure from the PBM-insurer lobby to pass this bill and defend Tennessee’s patients, taxpayers, and pharmacies.” This follows a similar piece of legislation signed into law in Arkansas last year. A federal bill to require companies that own health insurers or PBMs to divest their pharmacy businesses was reintroduced in Congress on May 13.Vitacore receives approval in Canada for its custom-fit CPAP maskVANCOUVER, British Columbia – Vitacore has received a Medical Device License (MDL) from Health Canada for FormFit, a fully custom-fit medical-grade silicone CPAP mask, the first of its kind, the company says. With regulatory approval secured, Vitacore is officially launching FormFit across Canada, direct-to-consumer at vitacore.com/formfit and through participating sleep clinics and health care providers nationwide. “One of the fundamental problems in CPAP therapy is that we’ve been trying to fit an extremely diverse range of facial shapes into a small number of generic mask designs,” said Mikhail Moore, president of Vitacore. “The medical device industry has long assumed that mass production and true personalization are incompatible. FormFit proves they are not. We've built a platform that translates each patient's unique anatomy into a manufactured, medical-grade product with no compromises, no generic shells, no 'best available size.' FormFit is the first product on this platform, and I believe it represents the future of how personalized medical devices will be designed and built.” Vitacore says its proprietary technology converts a short smartphone facial scan into a high-resolution 3D facial model, which is then used to produce a precisely fitted mask that is manufactured in Canada. FormFit is compatible with CPAP, APAP and BiPAP therapy devices. With the Canadian launch underway, Vitacore is also preparing a submission to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).Three men sentenced for submitting $6.9M fraudulent claims for bracesWASHINGTON – Three Florida men have been sentenced to prison for their participation in a scheme to defraud Medicare and launder more than $2.2 million in illicit health care fraud proceeds, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ).Marco Scamarone, 34, of Tamarac, Florida, was sentenced to 70 months in prison.Jose Mendez, 34, of Coral Springs, Florida, was sentenced to 78 months in prison.Renee Vazquez, 33, of Tamarac, Florida, was sentenced to 60 months in prison.According to court documents and statements made in court, the defendants owned and operated two fraudulent durable medical equipment (DME) companies: Braces and Orthotics LLC, located in the Eastern District of Virginia, and Stone Oak Durable Medical Equipment LLC, located in the Southern District of Florida. Between January 2022 and February 2023, the fraudulent DME companies submitted approximately $6.9 million in fraudulent claims to Medicare for orthotic braces that were medically unnecessary and ineligible for Medicare reimbursement. The conspiracy involved illegal kickbacks and bribes paid to an offshore marketing company exchange for the referral of beneficiaries and fraudulent doctors’ orders. The three men conspired to launder the proceeds of their fraud through a series of shell companies under their control or the control of their associates — ultimately laundering more than $2.2 million in illicit funds for their own benefit and the benefit of their co-conspirators.Accendra Health announces exchange offer, consent solicitationsRICHMOND, Va. – Accendra Health has commenced an offer to exchange any and all of the company’s outstanding 4.5% senior notes due 2029 and 6.625% senior notes due 2030. Eligible holders of 2029 notes that participate in the new money notes issuance will be able to exchange such 2029 notes for newly issued 9% senior secured first lien notes due 2032 and newly issued 9.75% senior secured second lien notes due 2033. Eligible holders of 2029 notes that do not participate in the new money notes issuance and eligible holders of 2030 notes will be able to exchange such notes for second lien notes. In addition, the company is soliciting consents from eligible holders of the existing notes to adopt certain proposed amendments to the indentures governing the existing notes to eliminate substantially all of the affirmative and negative covenants, eliminate certain events of default, modify covenants regarding mergers and consolidations and modify or eliminate certain other provisions contained in the existing notes indentures, including provisions related to defeasance. In connection with the exchange offer for the 2029 notes, the company is also offering $326.25 million in aggregate principal amount of newly issued first lien notes for cash. The new notes will be issued by the company and guaranteed on a senior secured basis by its existing and future wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries, including each subsidiary guarantor of the existing Notes. Each eligible holder of 2029 notes will only be entitled to receive the new money participant early exchange consideration if they tender their 2029 notes at or prior to the early exchange time and deliver in cash their pro rata cash portion of $65.25 million in aggregate principal amount of first lien notes to the exchange agent by the funding date. FMI, go here.Related: Accendra Health lags in Q1 but lays groundwork for standalone status. 2026-05-22T09:56:00-05:00 HME News Staff https://www.hmenews.com/article/in-brief-scam-prevention-pbm-protection-accendra-offer#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/in-brief-benefit-manager-acquisition-prior-auth-deadline-provider-revalidation MIRAMAR, Fla. – Integrated Home Care Services has acquired Dina Care, combining an in-home benefit manager with an artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled care coordination and referral management platform.Together, the companies say they form the first comprehensive in-home benefit management and technology platform for health plans and risk-bearing organizations.“Given the mounting pressures on health plans and risk-bearing organizations—to improve outcomes, member experience, and administrative efficiency while lowering costs—alongside the industry’s shift toward home-centered care, the case for reimagining in-home benefit management has never been clearer,” said Christopher Bradbury, CEO of Integrated Home Care Services. “Dina’s platform and AI capabilities align perfectly with Integrated’s mission: to meet health plans and risk-bearing organizations wherever they are on their in-home care transformation journey, helping them achieve better outcomes, simpler administration, and greater affordability. Whether they’re looking to supercharge their internal care and network teams, pursue fully delegated benefit management, or find a hybrid approach in between, we have the platform and expertise to deliver.”As part of the transaction, Ashish V. Shah, founder and CEO of Dina, will join Integrated as chief product & technology officer, where he will lead product strategy, technology innovation, and AI-driven platform initiatives.The combined platform, the companies say, immediately supports the full array of in-home service categories: home health, personal care, long-term services and supports (LTSS), durable medical equipment and supplies (DME), home infusion, private duty nursing and other home-based services. It also supports all major lines of business and populations: Managed Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, commercial, ACA Marketplace, special needs plans, self-insured plan sponsors and others.The companies say they serve millions of members nationwide from 20-plus states.Related: IHCS plays ‘critical role’CMS extends prior authorization exemption deadlineWASHINGTON – The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has extended the deadline to opt out of prior authorization and continue submitting requests to May 26, AAHomecare reports.This extension only applies to suppliers that received a letter from the DME MACs in early March regarding their prior authorization exemption status.The updated MAC notice specifies:If you reached exemption and want to continue submitting prior authorization requests, you must submit the opt-out form though myCGS or at Jurisdiction B or Jurisdiction C (PDF forms) between May 19, 2026, and May 26, 2026!  Opt-out requests received after this period will be rejected.The exemption process, introduced in last fall's DMEPOS/Home Heath Final Rule, allows suppliers that meet specified claim approval thresholds to be exempt from prior authorization requirements under specific conditions.More details on the exemption process and how to opt out can be found here.Ohio Gov. DeWine signs executive order aimed at Medicaid fraudCOLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has signed Executive Order 2026-01D to allow the Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) to implement emergency rules to require more frequent revalidation of providers identified as higher-risk for committing fraud. Additionally, DeWine sent a letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on May 1 committing Ohio to partnering with the Trump Administration and using a more stringent revalidation process to better prevent fraud.Under the authority of Ohio Revised Code Sections 5164.02. 5164.32, 5164.33, ODM will immediately amend Ohio Administrative Code rules to:Permit Ohio Medicaid to terminate the provider agreements of Medicaid providers that have not provided Medicaid services or billed the Medicaid program in more than one yearRequire Medicaid providers that are at a higher risk for committing fraud to revalidate enrollment more frequently to confirm compliance with Medicaid program rulesAllow Ohio Medicaid to require certain Medicaid providers to recredential as determined necessary by the Medicaid DirectorPermit the denial of a provider enrollment application when a federally approved moratorium is in effect, even if the enrollment application was received but not approved before the moratorium began.Related: Florida also issues moratorium on new DME providers.CMS proposes changes to state-directed provider payment ratesWASHINGTON – The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has published a proposed rule that would cap state-directed provider payment rates at 100% of Medicare payment rates for expansion states and 110% of Medicare payment rates for non-expansion states (or 100% of the Medicaid state plan rate if a comparable Medicare rate is not available).The rule would also:Apply similar limits to certain targeted Medicaid fee-for-service payments, andEstablish consistent national standards to improve transparency and accountability.“Medicaid was never meant to be a blank check – it was meant to be a lifeline – and lifelines only work when they're strong, reliable, and built to last,” said CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz. “Right now, misaligned payment incentives and opaque financing arrangements are driving up costs without delivering better care. This rule restores balance by aligning Medicaid payments with Medicare standards, strengthening accountability, and ensuring taxpayer dollars support patients, not payment schemes. When we hold the line on spending and put patients first, we protect Medicaid for the people who depend on it today and for generations to come.”If finalized, the “Medicaid Managed Care State Directed Payments (SDP) and Medicaid Fee-For-Service (FFS) Targeted Practitioner Payments Proposed Rule” would generate an estimated $775 billion in total sayings over 10 years, including $510 billion in federal savings.Here’s how CMS describes SDPsWith the rule, CMS is targeting SDPs, an arrangement where the state directs health plans on how to pay provider reimbursement rather than allowing the plan to negotiate provider payment, the agency says.“States have often used these arrangements to increase provider payments toward a limited set of providers, typically those capable of providing the non-federal share through provider taxes and intergovernmental transfers,” it says. “Provider taxes are fees charged to entities such as hospitals based on health care services, and an intergovernmental transfer is when a local government entity (like a public hospital) transfers funds to the state to be used as the non-federal share, both of which are used as the state’s portion of Medicaid payments made back to those same providers. Essentially, shifting money from federal coffers to state coffers. By combining these financing tools with excessive payments, states can shift the state’s share of Medicaid financing to federal taxpayers by drawing more federal dollars without equivalent state fund spending; as a result, the federal government’s effective match rate has shifted far higher than specified in federal law.”To view a fact sheet, visit: https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/medicaid-managed-care-state-directed-payments-medicaid-fee-service-targeted-medicaid-practitioner.Aeroflow Urology reinforces commitment to wellness with donationsASHEVILLE, N.C. – Aeroflow Urology has made donations to the National Diaper Bank Network (NDBN) and United Way, reinforcing its commitment to community wellness and health equity, the company says. Aeroflow Urology says its contribution to the NDBN directly combats the growing issue of diaper insecurity by providing essential hygiene products to vulnerable populations through a network of more than 200 community diaper banks. "At Aeroflow, our mission is to improve the quality of life for the communities we serve," said Mica Phillips, executive vice president of Aeroflow Urology. "These donations are an investment in the health and dignity of individuals and families nationwide, ensuring basic necessities and support systems are accessible to those who need them most." Aeroflow Urology’s donation to United Way Worldwide also supports global initiatives aimed at improving education, financial stability and health outcomes for families in need. By supporting both the NDBN and United Way, Aeroflow Urology continues to provide vital resources that foster healthier outcomes for children and adults alike, the company says.Soleo Health taps new VP of salesFRISCO, Texas – Soleo Health has named Joy Rowan as senior vice president, sales. Reporting to the chief commercial officer, she will lead the company’s field sales organization to accelerate commercial performance and deliver on its strategic growth initiatives. "I am thrilled to be joining the Soleo Health team,” she said. “The company’s commitment to improving patient outcomes and expanding to specialty therapies is something I am deeply passionate about. I look forward to leveraging my experience to grow the sales organization and help ensure that more patients receive the life-changing treatments they need." Rowan joins Soleo Health with an extensive background as a health care executive and a deep expertise in navigating complex specialty markets, the company says. Prior to joining Soleo Health, she held key leadership roles at Cencora and Merck, where she built and scaled dynamic sales teams, drove market expansion through innovative go-to-market strategies and supported the successful launch of numerous specialty infusion therapies.Related: Soleo Health launches rare disease specialty pharmacyCCS to present latest research on impact of coaching for CGM usersST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – CCS will offer a poster presentation entitled, “Effect of Structured Coaching and Education on Glycemic and Patient-Reported Outcomes Among Adults Initiating CGM: A Randomized Study” at ISPOR 2026 May 17–20 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia. The poster showcases soon-to-be-published research highlighting the impact of LivingConnected, a DEAP-accredited program delivering coaching and education for adults starting continuous glucose monitoring. “Continuous glucose monitoring provides powerful insights, but access to data alone is not enough to sustain behavior change,” said Coni Dennis, DNP, RN, NE-BC, SVP and chief clinical officer at CCS. “We often see early improvements following CGM initiation, but without ongoing support, that improvement doesn’t always last. Coaching and education help people build confidence in how patients manage day to day and turn personal health data into habits they can sustain over time.” The randomized trial enrolled 424 adults new to CGM, comparing standard CGM initiation alone with CGM paired with a nine-month, remote, CDCES-led education and coaching program. As health care providers and health plans grapple with growing continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) adoption and persistent gaps in diabetes outcomes, alongside growing chronic care costs, CCS says it is challenging the assumption that simply being prescribed a CGM device is enough. While CGM initiation is often associated with early improvements in glycemic control, its new research suggests those improvements are not consistently sustained without ongoing support.Related: CGMs reduce health care costs but remain under prescribed, according to CCS study.DME Service Solutions expands in PhilippinesTAGUIG CITY, Philippines – DME Service Solutions, a U.S.-led health care outsourcing company, has opened a new operational hub located at Twenty-Four Seven McKinley, Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig City. The expansion marks a significant milestone in the company’s global growth strategy, strengthening its ability to deliver specialized support across clinical services, revenue cycle management, customer engagement and back-office operations, it says. “This office at McKinley Park reflects the continued strength and maturity of our organization as we expand our global operations,” said Richard Lee, CEO. “As we grow, we remain focused on building the infrastructure, investing in the right talent, and creating an environment that supports long-term operational excellence for our teams and partners.” The new BGC facility is designed to support the company’s growing global workforce, which now exceeds 1,000 team members across the U.S., Mexico and the Philippines. Strategically located in one of the region’s premier business districts, the company says the office reinforces its long-term commitment to operational stability, workforce development and scalable health care support services. The space was built to provide a secure, technology-enabled environment where teams can collaborate efficiently while supporting the increasingly complex demands of modern healthcare organizations.Sunrise Group receives FDA clearance for home sleep testNEW YORK – Sunrise Group has received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its Sunrise Air home sleep test. This clearance marks a major step forward in Sunrise’s mission to expand access to high-quality sleep care by providing a best-in-class, convenient, and clinically robust sleep apnea diagnostic solution that can be completed entirely at home, the company says. “Sunrise has already set a new benchmark for home sleep testing through its high level of diagnostic accuracy even across complex sleep apnea phenotypes, including central sleep apnea, supported by its unique ability to measure respiratory effort," said Laurent Martinot, CEO and co-founder of Sunrise. "With a fully rechargeable model, we're unlocking what sleep medicine has always lacked: multi-night insight with clinical-grade accuracy, from the patient's bedside. Nobody sleeps the same way twice, yet we've been diagnosing based on a single night.” The Sunrise device records mandibular jaw movements (MJM), a clinically validated biosignal for sleep assessment, then analyzes the data through proprietary AI-supported algorithms to generate a comprehensive sleep report for clinician review, the company says. The announcement comes on the heels of a $29 million raise to support the expansion of the company's clinical services and accelerate its investment in next-generation sleep technology.Related: Dreem Health, a virtual sleep clinic managed by Sunrise Group, says it has become the first sleep care service to join Amazon’s Health Benefits Connector.Medi-Rents reports data breachBALTIMORE, Md. – Medi-Rents & Sales is providing notice of an event that may affect the privacy of certain information. On or about Feb. 4, 2026, Medi-Rents became aware of unusual activity in its email environment. The information potentially impacted by this event varies by individual and not all data elements were impacted for every individual, but may include name, date of birth, insurance information, and/or limited health information. “We take this event and the security of personal information in its care very seriously,” the company stated. “Upon learning of this event, we moved quickly to investigate and respond to the event and notify potentially affected individuals. As part of our ongoing commitment to the security of information, we are reviewing and enhancing existing policies and procedures to reduce the likelihood of a similar future event.” A notice letter is being mailed to individuals whose information was determined to be in the affected files, for whom a valid mailing address is available. If an individual does not receive a letter but would like to know if they are affected, they may call our dedicated assistance line at 833-877-2603. 2026-05-22T09:53:00-05:00 HME News Staff https://www.hmenews.com/article/in-brief-benefit-manager-acquisition-prior-auth-deadline-provider-revalidation#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/aeroflow-urology-reinforces-commitment-to-wellness-with-donations ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Aeroflow Urology has made donations to the National Diaper Bank Network (NDBN) and United Way, reinforcing its commitment to community wellness and health equity, the company says. Aeroflow Urology says its contribution to the NDBN directly combats the growing issue of diaper insecurity by providing essential hygiene products to vulnerable populations through a network of more than 200 community diaper banks. "At Aeroflow, our mission is to improve the quality of life for the communities we serve," said Mica Phillips, executive vice president of Aeroflow Urology. "These donations are an investment in the health and dignity of individuals and families nationwide, ensuring basic necessities and support systems are accessible to those who need them most." Aeroflow Urology’s donation to United Way Worldwide also supports global initiatives aimed at improving education, financial stability and health outcomes for families in need. By supporting both the NDBN and United Way, Aeroflow Urology continues to provide vital resources that foster healthier outcomes for children and adults alike, the company says. 2026-05-21T10:07:12-05:00 HME News Staff https://www.hmenews.com/article/aeroflow-urology-reinforces-commitment-to-wellness-with-donations#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/soleo-health-taps-new-vp-of-sales FRISCO, Texas – Soleo Health has named Joy Rowan as senior vice president, sales. Reporting to the chief commercial officer, she will lead the company’s field sales organization to accelerate commercial performance and deliver on its strategic growth initiatives. "I am thrilled to be joining the Soleo Health team,” she said. “The company’s commitment to improving patient outcomes and expanding to specialty therapies is something I am deeply passionate about. I look forward to leveraging my experience to grow the sales organization and help ensure that more patients receive the life-changing treatments they need." Rowan joins Soleo Health with an extensive background as a health care executive and a deep expertise in navigating complex specialty markets, the company says. Prior to joining Soleo Health, she held key leadership roles at Cencora and Merck, where she built and scaled dynamic sales teams, drove market expansion through innovative go-to-market strategies and supported the successful launch of numerous specialty infusion therapies.Related: Soleo Health launches rare disease specialty pharmacy 2026-05-21T10:05:00-05:00 HME News Staff https://www.hmenews.com/article/soleo-health-taps-new-vp-of-sales#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/integrated-home-care-services-buys-dina-care-eyes-reimagining-benefit-management MIRAMAR, Fla. – Integrated Home Care Services has acquired Dina Care, combining an in-home benefit manager with an artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled care coordination and referral management platform.Together, the companies say they form the first comprehensive in-home benefit management and technology platform for health plans and risk-bearing organizations.“Given the mounting pressures on health plans and risk-bearing organizations—to improve outcomes, member experience, and administrative efficiency while lowering costs—alongside the industry’s shift toward home-centered care, the case for reimagining in-home benefit management has never been clearer,” said Christopher Bradbury, CEO of Integrated Home Care Services. “Dina’s platform and AI capabilities align perfectly with Integrated’s mission: to meet health plans and risk-bearing organizations wherever they are on their in-home care transformation journey, helping them achieve better outcomes, simpler administration, and greater affordability. Whether they’re looking to supercharge their internal care and network teams, pursue fully delegated benefit management, or find a hybrid approach in between, we have the platform and expertise to deliver.”As part of the transaction, Ashish V. Shah, founder and CEO of Dina, will join Integrated as chief product & technology officer, where he will lead product strategy, technology innovation, and AI-driven platform initiatives.The combined platform, the companies say, immediately supports the full array of in-home service categories: mome health, personal care, long-term services and supports (LTSS), durable medical equipment and supplies (DME), home infusion, private duty nursing and other home-based services. It also supports all major lines of business and populations: Managed Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, commercial, ACA Marketplace, special needs plans, self-insured plan sponsors and others.The companies say they serve millions of members nationwide from 20 states with national capabilities and proven results at scaleRelated: IHCS plays ‘critical role’ 2026-05-21T10:04:06-05:00 HME News Staff https://www.hmenews.com/article/integrated-home-care-services-buys-dina-care-eyes-reimagining-benefit-management#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/cms-proposes-changes-to-state-directed-provider-payment-rates WASHINGTON – The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has published a proposed rule that would cap state-directed provider payment rates at 100% of Medicare payment rates for expansion states and 110% of Medicare payment rates for non-expansion states (or 100% of the Medicaid state plan rate if a comparable Medicare rate is not available).The rule would also:Apply similar limits to certain targeted Medicaid fee-for-service payments, andEstablish consistent national standards to improve transparency and accountability.“Medicaid was never meant to be a blank check – it was meant to be a lifeline – and lifelines only work when they're strong, reliable, and built to last,” said CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz. “Right now, misaligned payment incentives and opaque financing arrangements are driving up costs without delivering better care. This rule restores balance by aligning Medicaid payments with Medicare standards, strengthening accountability, and ensuring taxpayer dollars support patients, not payment schemes. When we hold the line on spending and put patients first, we protect Medicaid for the people who depend on it today and for generations to come.”If finalized, the “Medicaid Managed Care State Directed Payments (SDP) and Medicaid Fee-For-Service (FFS) Targeted Practitioner Payments Proposed Rule” would generate an estimated $775 billion in total sayings over 10 years, including $510 billion in federal savings.Here’s how CMS describes SDPsWith the rule, CMS is targeting SDPs, an arrangement where the state directs health plans on how to pay provider reimbursement rather than allowing the plan to negotiate provider payment, the agency says.“States have often used these arrangements to increase provider payments toward a limited set of providers, typically those capable of providing the non-federal share through provider taxes and intergovernmental transfers,” it says. “Provider taxes are fees charged to entities such as hospitals based on health care services, and an intergovernmental transfer is when a local government entity (like a public hospital) transfers funds to the state to be used as the non-federal share, both of which are used as the state’s portion of Medicaid payments made back to those same providers. Essentially, shifting money from federal coffers to state coffers. By combining these financing tools with excessive payments, states can shift the state’s share of Medicaid financing to federal taxpayers by drawing more federal dollars without equivalent state fund spending; as a result, the federal government’s effective match rate has shifted far higher than specified in federal law.”To view a fact sheet, visit: https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/medicaid-managed-care-state-directed-payments-medicaid-fee-service-targeted-medicaid-practitioner. 2026-05-21T10:00:00-05:00 HME News Staff https://www.hmenews.com/article/cms-proposes-changes-to-state-directed-provider-payment-rates#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/kalogon-s-production-leadership-investments-tee-up-growth MELBOURNE, Fla. – Kalogon is positioning itself for significant domestic and international growth with the opening of a new 20,000-square-foot facility with production capacity up to $50 million in Melbourne, Fla., and the hiring of Paul Banz as vice president of sales.CEO and founder Tim Balz says the company currently offers its Booster device – which adjusts air pressure in existing seat cushions – along with its Orbiter seat cushion line and Bondar back cushion in the United States.“A big part of the [global] expansion was having a facility that can meet expanded demand and now all those pieces are setting up,” he said. “We’ve heard of people flying to the U.S. to buy our products and bring them back home. It’s been really disappointing not to make it easier for them.”Kalogon also makes Booster available in the EU through its partnership with Etac and in Australia through its partnership with Paragon Mobility.A SpaceX-inspired production modelThe new facility brings production and engineering under one roof, a move inspired by Balz’s past work at SpaceX. The co-location is designed to accelerate product development and streamline manufacturing.The two teams have a fluid relationship, Balz says, supporting each other in making the company’s seating products “a couple of percentages better.”“We go from raw materials to a product, all in the U.S.,” he said. “On one side of the facility, foam comes in on semi-trucks; on the other side an advanced wheelchair cushion comes out. Our team strives for a seven-day lead time on our products, which is kind of crazy.”Innovation pipeline remains focused on seatingBalz says Kalogon “always has stuff in the works,” but he offered limited details. The company will continue to focus on advanced seating solutions.“We’re not trying to be the next wheelchair company,” he said.Future products may incorporate technology Kalogon has developed for the Air Force, where the company has applied its expertise in pressure management.“We understand seating better than anyone and we do a deep dive into the science of it,” he said. “What I can tell you is that the technology that we’ve developed – there are synergies between the two (markets).”Strengthening the commercial teamTo support its growth, Balz has built a team of independent reps and therapists and recruited Kelly Waugh, PT, MAPT, ATP, as a clinical advisor, to help expand Kalogon’s presence among providers and end users.“These reps – we treat them like partners,” he said. “We have them tell us what their customers need and what’s best to go to market, and we can deliver because we’re small and nimble enough.”That collaborative approach also led Balz to hire Banz, who fills a need for an experienced sales leader. Banz brings more than two decades of expertise in the complex rehab technology (CRT) sector, most recently of Etac, where he oversaw international sales across brands like Ki Mobility, Axiom, Star, Hovertech, MoLift, R82, Immedia and Etac’s wheelchair, bathroom and ADL lines.“His name came up in a bunch of conversations, and the timing was right to do it,” Balz said.Related: Kalogon vows to change the way we sit.Photo courtesy of Kalogon. 2026-05-20T09:54:00-05:00 Liz Beaulieu https://www.hmenews.com/article/kalogon-s-production-leadership-investments-tee-up-growth#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/cms-extends-prior-authorization-exemption-deadline WASHINGTON – The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has extended the deadline to opt out of prior authorization and continue submitting requests to May 26, AAHomecare reports.This extension only applies to suppliers that received a letter from the DME MACs in early March regarding their prior authorization exemption status.The updated MAC notice specifies:If you reached exemption and want to continue submitting prior authorization requests, you must submit the opt-out form though myCGS or at Jurisdiction B or Jurisdiction C (PDF forms) between May 19, 2026, and May 26, 2026!  Opt-out requests received after this period will be rejected.The exemption process, introduced in last fall's DMEPOS/Home Heath Final Rule, allows suppliers that meet specified claim approval thresholds to be exempt from prior authorization requirements under specific conditions.More details on the exemption process and how to opt out can be found here. 2026-05-20T08:44:00-05:00 HME News Staff https://www.hmenews.com/article/cms-extends-prior-authorization-exemption-deadline#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/ohio-gov-dewine-signs-executive-order-aimed-at-medicaid-fraud COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has signed Executive Order 2026-01D to allow the Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) to implement emergency rules to require more frequent revalidation of providers identified as higher-risk for committing fraud. Additionally, DeWine sent a letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on May 1 committing Ohio to partnering with the Trump Administration and using a more stringent revalidation process to better prevent fraud.Under the authority of Ohio Revised Code Sections 5164.02. 5164.32, 5164.33, ODM will immediately amend Ohio Administrative Code rules to:Permit Ohio Medicaid to terminate the provider agreements of Medicaid providers that have not provided Medicaid services or billed the Medicaid program in more than one yearRequire Medicaid providers that are at a higher risk for committing fraud to revalidate enrollment more frequently to confirm compliance with Medicaid program rulesAllow Ohio Medicaid to require certain Medicaid providers to recredential as determined necessary by the Medicaid DirectorPermit the denial of a provider enrollment application when a federally approved moratorium is in effect, even if the enrollment application was received but not approved before the moratorium began.Related: Florida also issues moratorium on new DME providers. 2026-05-20T08:42:31-05:00 HME News Staff https://www.hmenews.com/article/ohio-gov-dewine-signs-executive-order-aimed-at-medicaid-fraud#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/ccs-to-present-latest-research-on-impact-of-coaching-for-cgm-users ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – CCS will offer a poster presentation entitled, “Effect of Structured Coaching and Education on Glycemic and Patient-Reported Outcomes Among Adults Initiating CGM: A Randomized Study” at ISPOR 2026 May 17–20 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia. The poster showcases soon-to-be-published research highlighting the impact of LivingConnected, a DEAP-accredited program delivering coaching and education for adults starting continuous glucose monitoring. “Continuous glucose monitoring provides powerful insights, but access to data alone is not enough to sustain behavior change,” said Coni Dennis, DNP, RN, NE-BC, SVP and chief clinical officer at CCS. “We often see early improvements following CGM initiation, but without ongoing support, that improvement doesn’t always last. Coaching and education help people build confidence in how patients manage day to day and turn personal health data into habits they can sustain over time.” The randomized trial enrolled 424 adults new to CGM, comparing standard CGM initiation alone with CGM paired with a nine-month, remote, CDCES-led education and coaching program. As health care providers and health plans grapple with growing continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) adoption and persistent gaps in diabetes outcomes, alongside growing chronic care costs, CCS says it is challenging the assumption that simply being prescribed a CGM device is enough. While CGM initiation is often associated with early improvements in glycemic control, its new research suggests those improvements are not consistently sustained without ongoing support.Related: CGMs reduce health care costs but remain under prescribed, according to CCS study. 2026-05-20T08:40:57-05:00 HME News Staff https://www.hmenews.com/article/ccs-to-present-latest-research-on-impact-of-coaching-for-cgm-users#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/dme-service-solutions-expands-in-philippines TAGUIG CITY, Philippines – DME Service Solutions, a U.S.-led health care outsourcing company, has opened a new operational hub located at Twenty-Four Seven McKinley, Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig City. The expansion marks a significant milestone in the company’s global growth strategy, strengthening its ability to deliver specialized support across clinical services, revenue cycle management, customer engagement and back-office operations, it says. “This office at McKinley Park reflects the continued strength and maturity of our organization as we expand our global operations,” said Richard Lee, CEO. “As we grow, we remain focused on building the infrastructure, investing in the right talent, and creating an environment that supports long-term operational excellence for our teams and partners.” The new BGC facility is designed to support the company’s growing global workforce, which now exceeds 1,000 team members across the U.S., Mexico and the Philippines. Strategically located in one of the region’s premier business districts, the company says the office reinforces its long-term commitment to operational stability, workforce development and scalable health care support services. The space was built to provide a secure, technology-enabled environment where teams can collaborate efficiently while supporting the increasingly complex demands of modern healthcare organizations. 2026-05-20T08:38:59-05:00 HME News Staff https://www.hmenews.com/article/dme-service-solutions-expands-in-philippines#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/sunrise-group-receives-fda-clearance-for-home-sleep-test NEW YORK – Sunrise Group has received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its Sunrise Air home sleep test. This clearance marks a major step forward in Sunrise’s mission to expand access to high-quality sleep care by providing a best-in-class, convenient, and clinically robust sleep apnea diagnostic solution that can be completed entirely at home, the company says. “Sunrise has already set a new benchmark for home sleep testing through its high level of diagnostic accuracy even across complex sleep apnea phenotypes, including central sleep apnea, supported by its unique ability to measure respiratory effort," said Laurent Martinot, CEO and co-founder of Sunrise. "With a fully rechargeable model, we're unlocking what sleep medicine has always lacked: multi-night insight with clinical-grade accuracy, from the patient's bedside. Nobody sleeps the same way twice, yet we've been diagnosing based on a single night.” The Sunrise device records mandibular jaw movements (MJM), a clinically validated biosignal for sleep assessment, then analyzes the data through proprietary AI-supported algorithms to generate a comprehensive sleep report for clinician review, the company says. The announcement comes on the heels of a $29 million raise to support the expansion of the company's clinical services and accelerate its investment in next-generation sleep technology.Related: Dreem Health, a virtual sleep clinic managed by Sunrise Group, says it has become the first sleep care service to join Amazon’s Health Benefits Connector. 2026-05-20T08:37:44-05:00 HME News Staff https://www.hmenews.com/article/sunrise-group-receives-fda-clearance-for-home-sleep-test#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/medi-rents-reports-data-breach BALTIMORE, Md. – Medi-Rents & Sales is providing notice of an event that may affect the privacy of certain information. On or about Feb. 4, 2026, Medi-Rents became aware of unusual activity in its email environment. The information potentially impacted by this event varies by individual and not all data elements were impacted for every individual, but may include name, date of birth, insurance information, and/or limited health information. “We take this event and the security of personal information in its care very seriously,” the company stated. “Upon learning of this event, we moved quickly to investigate and respond to the event and notify potentially affected individuals. As part of our ongoing commitment to the security of information, we are reviewing and enhancing existing policies and procedures to reduce the likelihood of a similar future event.” A notice letter is being mailed to individuals whose information was determined to be in the affected files, for whom a valid mailing address is available. If an individual does not receive a letter but would like to know if they are affected, they may call our dedicated assistance line at 833-877-2603, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday. This excludes all major U.S. holidays. 2026-05-20T08:36:03-05:00 HME News Staff https://www.hmenews.com/article/medi-rents-reports-data-breach#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/apnimed-backs-osa-pill-with-two-new-peer-reviewed-articles CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – Apnimed has published two peer-reviewed articles on AD109 (aroxybutynin 2.5 mg/atomoxetine 75 mg), an investigational, once-daily oral pill taken at bedtime designed to improve oxygenation and target the neuromuscular root cause of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The Phase 3 SynAIRgy trial results are published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine (AJRCCM), alongside a companion mechanistic review article in the American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology (AJRCMB), that highlights AD109's neuromuscular mechanism of action and the biological rationale that directly informed the design and success of the Phase 3 program, the company says. "The publication of the SynAIRgy Phase 3 results, together with a companion review article on the underlying biology, provides important insights into OSA as a treatable, multifactorial disease," said Patrick J. Strollo, Jr., M.D., study chair of the SynAIRgy clinical trial and vice chair of medicine for Veterans Affairs at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. "These data support neuromuscular dysfunction as a key driver of disease and demonstrate that targeting this pathway can lead to meaningful improvements in objective physiologic measures, including airway obstruction and oxygenation." Results from the SynAIRgy trial as published in AJRCCM (on treatment estimand):55.6% reduction in apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) (≥ 4% desaturation criterion for hypopneas) from baseline to week 26 (p≤0.0001 vs. placebo)60.5% reduction in geometric mean in hypoxic burden (p 2026-05-19T10:16:40-05:00 HME News Staff https://www.hmenews.com/article/apnimed-backs-osa-pill-with-two-new-peer-reviewed-articles#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/medline-installs-automated-system-in-24th-distribution-center NORTHFIELD, Ill. – Medline has unveiled a new AutoStore installation at its distribution center in Aurora, Colo., as part of an ongoing effort to drive efficiency, optimize fulfillment and increase order capacity amid growing customer demand in the region. This is Medline's 24th AutoStore installation nationwide. "Medline's continued investment in AutoStore technology is a good example of our relentless effort to drive operational excellence within our supply chain as demand grows," said Sean Halligan, Medline's executive vice president of operations. "Bringing a new AutoStore installation to Aurora is another step in modernizing our network, helping us get critical supplies to customers with the speed and accuracy they count on, while supporting a more streamlined fulfillment environment for our team members." AutoStore is an automated storage and retrieval system that uses robots and high-density storage technology to streamline fulfillment, increase throughput and drive distribution efficiency. Medline's AutoStore installation in Aurora will include eight induction workstations, 10 picking workstations, 38,000 bins and 96 robots, which will assist Medline employees with item sorting, retrieval and transport. These join Medline's fleet of more than 2,100 robots across its global distribution footprint.Related: Medline makes new investment in network of distribution centers.Photo courtesy of Medline 2026-05-19T10:12:48-05:00 HME News Staff https://www.hmenews.com/article/medline-installs-automated-system-in-24th-distribution-center#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/medtronic-s-minimed-board-sees-shake-up NORTHRIDGE, Calif. – Brett Wall, a class II director of MiniMed Group’s board of directors, has resigned following his departure as executive vice president and president of the neurosciences portfolio of Medtronic, the parent company of MiniMed, according to a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filing. Wall, who was also a member of the board’s Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, was nominated to the MiniMed board by Medtronic. Scott Cundy will fill his vacancy on the MiniMed board effective July 3. Cundy serves as senior vice president and chief quality, development and innovation officer at Medtronic, leading the company’s global quality, product development and innovation functions. He is also a member of Medtronic’s Executive Committee. In March, MiniMed began trading on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “MMED” in connection with its initial public offering (IPO). 2026-05-19T10:03:16-05:00 HME News Staff https://www.hmenews.com/article/medtronic-s-minimed-board-sees-shake-up#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/resmed-teams-with-ura-to-turn-insight-into-action SAN DIEGO – Resmed and smart ring maker URA are partnering to expand access to sleep health education and pathways to care, helping more people sleep better and improve their overall health, the companies say.By connecting consumer-generated wellness insights with Resmed’s sleep health resources, the two companies say they are helping URA members take a more informed next step to better understand their sleep health."We're at an inflection point in how people engage with their sleep health, driven by rising awareness and more accessible technology," said Dr. Carlos Nunez, chief medical officer at Resmed. "By partnering with URA, we are turning insight into action by guiding people across their sleep health journey and making it easier for them to seek clinical evaluation and care if they have concerns about their sleep.”URA members who experience a higher number of nighttime breathing disturbances can now easily connect to resources from Resmed, including:Educational resources and a sleep assessment to understand more about sleep health.The option to connect with an independent health care provider, virtually or in-person, to address their sleep concerns.An informative guide to support discussions with their health care provider.“High-quality sleep is one of the strongest foundations for long-term health, yet many people live for years with unrecognized sleep and breathing issues," said Dr. Ricky Bloomfield, chief medical officer at URA. “By pairing URA’s continuous insights into sleep and nighttime breathing with Resmed’s sleep expertise, we’re giving people clearer tools and education to spot when something might be off and to more easily access care so they can better understand and act on changes in their sleep health.”The experience is available to users of URA Ring Gen3 and Oura Ring 4 who have an active URA membership in the United States. 2026-05-19T08:29:00-05:00 HME News Staff https://www.hmenews.com/article/resmed-teams-with-ura-to-turn-insight-into-action#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/ashvin-ai-builds-out-executive-team BOSTON and SAN FRANCISCO – Ashvin AI has named four executives to its team this year to elevate its go-to-market strategy, customer partnerships, enterprise-grade infrastructure and operational expertise. The company named:Sean Lally as head of sales in JanuaryEthan Geil as chief architect in FebruaryPat Puentes as head of customer success in MarchDeanna Rollyson as advisor in May“Every one of these hires and additions reflects where the company is headed and what our customers are telling us they need,” said Mathew Mammen, CEO. “Ashvin is building a company that takes responsibility for outcomes, not just software. That requires a strong go-to-market team (Sean), deep customer partnership (Pat), enterprise-grade infrastructure (Ethan), and real operational expertise from inside the industry (Deanna).”Lally brings more than 20 years of sales leadership experience across B2B technology companies, including VP of sales at RevContent, director of commercial sales at BitSight, and leadership roles at Notarize, Brainshark and LogMeIn. At BitSight, he helped build the commercial sales function during a period of rapid growth.Geil joins Ashvin from Google, where he was a staff software engineer working on core search infrastructure. He's a graduate of Cornell University and Caltech and holds multiple patents. At Ashvin, Ethan owns the technical architecture, ensuring its systems remain reliable, fast and able to handle increasing volume as its customer base expands.Puentes comes to Ashvin from BitSight, where he served as director of global customer success, overseeing post-sale relationships and driving retention and expansion across the company's customer base.Rollyson was previously VP of operations at AeroCare and AdaptHealth, where she helped oversee operations for one of the largest respiratory and home medical equipment platforms in the country. She'll be working closely with Puentes and the customer success team to help providers get the most out of Ashvin’s platform.Related: Ashvin AI promises holistic tech solutions to challenged DME industry. 2026-05-19T08:27:00-05:00 HME News Staff https://www.hmenews.com/article/ashvin-ai-builds-out-executive-team#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/healthsplash-founder-convicted-in-1b-brace-scheme WASHINGTON – A federal jury in the Southern District of Florida has convicted the founder and owner of HealthSplash for his role in operating a platform that generated false doctor orders and prescriptions to defraud Medicare and other federal health care benefit programs out of more than $1 billion, the Department of Justice has announced. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial:Brett Blackman, 42, of Johnson County, Kansas, and his co-conspirators aggressively targeted hundreds of thousands of Medicare beneficiaries to get them to accept medically unnecessary orthotic braces and other items. They then arranged for purported telemedicine doctors to sign bogus prescription orders for these items, so that their co-conspirators could bill Medicare for them.Blackman and his co-conspirators connected pharmacies, DME suppliers and marketers with telemedicine companies that would accept illegal kickbacks and bribes in exchange for signed doctor orders created using the DMERx platform. Blackman and his co-conspirators took a cut for themselves in exchange for the referrals. Blackman owned, controlled and was the CEO of HealthSplash, which acquired Power Mobility Doctor Rx, LLC (DMERx) in September 2017.The fraudulent doctor orders and prescriptions generated by DMERx falsely represented that a doctor had actually examined and treated the Medicare beneficiaries when, in fact, the doctors were simply paid to sign orders and prescriptions without any meaningful interaction with the beneficiary, and in some cases, no interaction at all. Doctors signed these orders and prescriptions without regard to whether the equipment was medically necessary.The DME suppliers and pharmacies that were paying illegal kickbacks for these orders billed Medicare and other insurers for more than $1 billion. Medicare and the other insurers paid more than $450 million based on these claims.The jury convicted Blackman of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud, conspiracy to pay and receive health care kickbacks, and conspiracy to defraud the United States and to make false statements in connection with health care matters. Blackman’s co-defendant, Gary Cox of DMERx, was convicted in a prior trial and sentenced to 15 years in prison. Blackman faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for the conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud conviction, five years for the conspiracy to pay and receive health care kickbacks conviction, and five years for the conspiracy to defraud the United States and to make false statements in connection with health care matters conviction. A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for Aug. 26, 2026.Photo courtesy of the Department of Justice. 2026-05-18T10:42:00-05:00 HME News Staff https://www.hmenews.com/article/healthsplash-founder-convicted-in-1b-brace-scheme#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/ncpa-nga-join-new-coalition-to-support-small-businesses ALEXANDRIA, Va. – The National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) and the National Grocers Association (NGA) joined the newly-formed Main Street Competition Coalition at a kick-off event in Washington, D.C., to rally small business organizations across the spectrum against big corporations that they say use their market dominance to squeeze out smaller competitors. The Main Street Competition Coalition is a nonpartisan coalition of independent businesses fighting to restore competitive markets across the economy. “Main Street Businesses are done being pushed around,” said Chris Jones, executive director of the new organization. “Small business is the backbone of the economy and the heart of the American dream. Unfortunately, the worst actors often have the loudest voice in Washington, D.C., and the resources to steamroll small businesses in court. That changes today.” NCPA and NGA are founding investors in the project. Both groups represent thousands of Main Street businesses that they say are often forced to defend themselves against what they call the unfair practices of vertically-integrated corporate giants. NGA represents independent grocers and affiliated businesses in an industry that it says is also dominated by corporate heavyweights. “NCPA spends most of its time fighting monopolistic corporations in the health care sector,” said B. Douglas Hoey, NCPA CEO. “I would like you to know why broadening that fight across the economy is important to our members and small businesses everywhere, and why we are proud to partner with the National Grocers Association to launch the Main Street Competition Coalition. What we’re all up against is a familiar pattern: consolidation that concentrates decision-making far away from the communities affected; vertical integration that turns gatekeepers into competitors; and dominant firms that can dictate terms across a supply chain. When a handful of powerful players can pick winners and losers, the market stops being a market and it most certainly isn’t free.”Related: NCPA hits Hill, asking lawmakers to address PBM practices in gov’t programs. 2026-05-18T10:29:47-05:00 HME News Staff https://www.hmenews.com/article/ncpa-nga-join-new-coalition-to-support-small-businesses#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/ncpa-supports-re-introduction-of-monopolies-act ALEXANDRIA, Va. – The National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) supports the re-introduction of the Patients Before Monopolies Act, which would force companies that own health insurers or pharmacy benefit managers to divest their pharmacy businesses within three years. The act, first introduced in December 2024, has been reintroduced in both the House and Senate. “PBMs have a choice – operate as a PBM or operate as a pharmacy, but you can’t have it both ways,” said NCPA CEO B. Douglas Hoey, pharmacist, MBA. “Having both functions under one roof is a huge conflict of interest and drives up prescription drug prices. The Patients Before Monopolies Act is critical in supporting patients and independent pharmacies and restoring a free market.” In the House, the act is led by Reps. Diana Harshbarger, R-Tenn., Jake Auchincloss, D-Mass., Greg Landsman, D-Ohio, Buddy Carter, R-Ga., Jerry Nadler, D-N.Y., and Troy Nehls, R-Texas; in the Senate, it’s led by Sens. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., Josh Hawley, R-Mo., Roger Marshall, R-Kan, and John Fetterman, D-Pa. The Patients Before Monopolies Act would, according to NCPA:Prohibiting a parent company from owning both a PBM/health insurer and a pharmacy;Require divestiture of pharmacy assets within one year;Establish strong enforcement;Enable private right of action; andPrevent re-consolidation that would recreate the same anticompetitive structure.  2026-05-18T10:27:29-05:00 HME News Staff https://www.hmenews.com/article/ncpa-supports-re-introduction-of-monopolies-act#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/spinlife-buys-triton-medical-expanding-access-to-mobility-solutions-in-central-florida LADY LAKE, Fla. – SpinLife, part of Numotion, has acquired Triton Medical and opened a new retail location in Lady Lake, Fla., strengthening its presence in Central Florida and enhancing services to the growing Lady Lake and The Villages communities.The location, which now operates as SpinLife – Lady Lake, will continue to be managed by Matt Chesshire, founder of Triton Medical.“Matt built Triton Medical on a foundation of trust, service and deep local relationships,” said Amber Dube, senior vice president and general manager at SpinLife. “We’re excited to build on that legacy while bringing SpinLife’s expanded selection, expertise and support to an active community that values independence and quality of life.”The location offers a comprehensive assortment of products, including mobility scooters, power wheelchairs, lift recliners, beds, vehicle lifts, ramps and home accessibility equipment, as well as safety, wellness and compression offerings.In addition to an extensive showroom, it also offers free consultations and in-home evaluations, as well as product delivery, setup and ongoing service support.“I’m incredibly proud of what Triton Medical has meant to this community,” said Chesshire, now general manager of SpinLife – Lady Lake. “Joining SpinLife allows us to continue serving customers with the same care and local commitment, while expanding what we can offer through a larger platform.”SpinLife opened its first brick-and-mortar location in 2022, a project that began with its acquisition of True Mobility in 2021.Numotion bought SpinLife in 2021.Related: SpinLife executes on ‘growth playbook.’ 2026-05-18T10:25:35-05:00 HME News Staff https://www.hmenews.com/article/spinlife-buys-triton-medical-expanding-access-to-mobility-solutions-in-central-florida#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/in-brief-resmed-teams-up-with-ura-spinlife-buys-triton-medical-ashvin-ai-builds-out SAN DIEGO – Resmed and smart ring maker URA are partnering to expand access to sleep health education and pathways to care, helping more people sleep better and improve their overall health, the companies say.By connecting consumer-generated wellness insights with Resmed’s sleep health resources, the two companies say they are helping URA members take a more informed next step to better understand their sleep health."We're at an inflection point in how people engage with their sleep health, driven by rising awareness and more accessible technology," said Dr. Carlos Nunez, chief medical officer at Resmed. "By partnering with URA, we are turning insight into action by guiding people across their sleep health journey and making it easier for them to seek clinical evaluation and care if they have concerns about their sleep.”URA members who experience a higher number of nighttime breathing disturbances can now easily connect to resources from Resmed, including:Educational resources and a sleep assessment to understand more about sleep health.The option to connect with an independent health care provider, virtually or in-person, to address their sleep concerns.An informative guide to support discussions with their health care provider.“High-quality sleep is one of the strongest foundations for long-term health, yet many people live for years with unrecognized sleep and breathing issues," said Dr. Ricky Bloomfield, chief medical officer at URA. “By pairing URA’s continuous insights into sleep and nighttime breathing with Resmed’s sleep expertise, we’re giving people clearer tools and education to spot when something might be off and to more easily access care so they can better understand and act on changes in their sleep health.”The experience is available to users of URA Ring Gen3 and Oura Ring 4 who have an active URA membership in the United States.SpinLife buys Triton Medical, expanding access to mobility solutions in Central FloridaLADY LAKE, Fla. – SpinLife, part of Numotion, has acquired Triton Medical and opened a new retail location in Lady Lake, Fla., strengthening its presence in Central Florida and enhancing services to the growing Lady Lake and The Villages communities.The location, which now operates as SpinLife – Lady Lake, will continue to be managed by Matt Chesshire, founder of Triton Medical.“Matt built Triton Medical on a foundation of trust, service and deep local relationships,” said Amber Dube, senior vice president and general manager at SpinLife. “We’re excited to build on that legacy while bringing SpinLife’s expanded selection, expertise and support to an active community that values independence and quality of life.”The location offers a comprehensive assortment of products, including mobility scooters, power wheelchairs, lift recliners, beds, vehicle lifts, ramps and home accessibility equipment, as well as safety, wellness and compression offerings.In addition to an extensive showroom, it also offers free consultations and in-home evaluations, as well as product delivery, setup and ongoing service support.“I’m incredibly proud of what Triton Medical has meant to this community,” said Chesshire, now general manager of SpinLife – Lady Lake. “Joining SpinLife allows us to continue serving customers with the same care and local commitment, while expanding what we can offer through a larger platform.”SpinLife opened its first brick-and-mortar location in 2022, a project that began with its acquisition of True Mobility in 2021.Numotion bought SpinLife in 2021.Related: SpinLife executes on ‘growth playbook.’HealthSplash founder convicted in $1B brace schemeWASHINGTON – A federal jury in the Southern District of Florida has convicted the founder and owner of HealthSplash for his role in operating a platform that generated false doctor orders and prescriptions to defraud Medicare and other federal health care benefit programs out of more than $1 billion. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial:Brett Blackman, 42, of Johnson County, Kansas, and his co-conspirators aggressively targeted hundreds of thousands of Medicare beneficiaries to get them to accept medically unnecessary orthotic braces and other items. They then arranged for purported telemedicine doctors to sign bogus prescription orders for these items, so that their co-conspirators could bill Medicare for them.Blackman and his co-conspirators connected pharmacies, DME suppliers and marketers with telemedicine companies that would accept illegal kickbacks and bribes in exchange for signed doctor orders created using the DMERx platform. Blackman and his co-conspirators took a cut for themselves in exchange for the referrals. Blackman owned, controlled and was the CEO of HealthSplash, which acquired Power Mobility Doctor Rx, LLC (DMERx) in September 2017.The fraudulent doctor orders and prescriptions generated by DMERx falsely represented that a doctor had actually examined and treated the Medicare beneficiaries when, in fact, the doctors were simply paid to sign orders and prescriptions without any meaningful interaction with the beneficiary, and in some cases, no interaction at all. Doctors signed these orders and prescriptions without regard to whether the equipment was medically necessary.The DME suppliers and pharmacies that were paying illegal kickbacks for these orders billed Medicare and other insurers for more than $1 billion. Medicare and the other insurers paid more than $450 million based on these claims.The jury convicted Blackman of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud, conspiracy to pay and receive health care kickbacks, and conspiracy to defraud the United States and to make false statements in connection with health care matters. Blackman’s co-defendant, Gary Cox of DMERx, was convicted in a prior trial and sentenced to 15 years in prison. Blackman faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for the conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud conviction, five years for the conspiracy to pay and receive health care kickbacks conviction, and five years for the conspiracy to defraud the United States and to make false statements in connection with health care matters conviction. A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for Aug. 26, 2026.Ashvin AI builds out executive teamBOSTON and SAN FRANCISCO – Ashvin AI has named four executives to its team this year to elevate its go-to-market strategy, customer partnerships, enterprise-grade infrastructure and operational expertise. The company named:Sean Lally as head of sales in JanuaryEthan Geil as chief architect in FebruaryPat Puentes as head of customer success in MarchDeanna Rollyson as advisor in May“Every one of these hires and additions reflects where the company is headed and what our customers are telling us they need,” said Mathew Mammen, CEO. “Ashvin is building a company that takes responsibility for outcomes, not just software. That requires a strong go-to-market team (Sean), deep customer partnership (Pat), enterprise-grade infrastructure (Ethan), and real operational expertise from inside the industry (Deanna).”Lally brings more than 20 years of sales leadership experience across B2B technology companies, including VP of sales at RevContent, director of commercial sales at BitSight, and leadership roles at Notarize, Brainshark and LogMeIn. At BitSight, he helped build the commercial sales function during a period of rapid growth.Geil joins Ashvin from Google, where he was a staff software engineer working on core search infrastructure. He's a graduate of Cornell University and Caltech and holds multiple patents. At Ashvin, Ethan owns the technical architecture, ensuring its systems remain reliable, fast and able to handle increasing volume as its customer base expands.Puentes comes to Ashvin from BitSight, where he served as director of global customer success, overseeing post-sale relationships and driving retention and expansion across the company's customer base.Rollyson was previously VP of operations at AeroCare and AdaptHealth, where she helped oversee operations for one of the largest respiratory and home medical equipment platforms in the country. She'll be working closely with Puentes and the customer success team to help providers get the most out of Ashvin’s platform.Related: Ashvin AI promises holistic tech solutions to challenged DME industry.Apnimed backs OSA pill with two new peer-reviewed articlesCAMBRIDGE, Mass. – Apnimed has published two peer-reviewed articles on AD109 (aroxybutynin 2.5 mg/atomoxetine 75 mg), an investigational, once-daily oral pill taken at bedtime designed to improve oxygenation and target the neuromuscular root cause of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The Phase 3 SynAIRgy trial results are published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine (AJRCCM), alongside a companion mechanistic review article in the American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology (AJRCMB), that highlights AD109's neuromuscular mechanism of action and the biological rationale that directly informed the design and success of the Phase 3 program, the company says. "The publication of the SynAIRgy Phase 3 results, together with a companion review article on the underlying biology, provides important insights into OSA as a treatable, multifactorial disease," said Patrick J. Strollo, Jr., M.D., study chair of the SynAIRgy clinical trial and vice chair of medicine for Veterans Affairs at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. "These data support neuromuscular dysfunction as a key driver of disease and demonstrate that targeting this pathway can lead to meaningful improvements in objective physiologic measures, including airway obstruction and oxygenation." Results from the SynAIRgy trial as published in AJRCCM (on treatment estimand):55.6% reduction in apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) (≥ 4% desaturation criterion for hypopneas) from baseline to week 26 (p≤0.0001 vs. placebo)60.5% reduction in geometric mean in hypoxic burden (p 2026-05-18T08:28:00-05:00 HME News Staff https://www.hmenews.com/article/in-brief-resmed-teams-up-with-ura-spinlife-buys-triton-medical-ashvin-ai-builds-out#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/mckesson-moves-mms-closer-to-ipo IRVING, Texas – McKesson’s Medical-Surgical Solutions (MMS) segment is now operationally and legally separate, and with new financing and a new minority ownership, it is closer to becoming financially independent, says CFO Britt Vitalone.In early April, the company announced:A $1 billion revolving credit facility and the issuance of $1 billion in Term Loan A facilities.The sale of a 13% minority interest to funds managed by Apollo in a deal that values the segment at $13 billion.“We also expect to issue up to $2.25 billion in additional term loans in the second half of the first quarter of fiscal year 2027,” Vitalone said during a recent conference call to discuss the company’s latest financial results. “The proceeds from all these transactions will be used to satisfy existing intercompany agreements with McKesson. We intend to deploy these funds in line with our disciplined capital allocation strategy, principally toward share repurchases. Together, these transactions will complete the establishment of an independent capital structure for the Medical-Surgical business.”Financing and agreements support separation readinessThe financing transactions follow the completion of key transition service agreements earlier this year, another milestone in preparing the MMS segment to operate independently.“This aids in establishing a standalone capital structure for the business, supporting separation readiness and positioning the new company with financial flexibility as an independent company,” said CEO Brian Tyler.Apollo brings carve-out and IPO experienceApollo, company execs say, will also help to better position McKesson as it executes the next phase of the separation and prepares for a planned initial public offering (IPO) for the MMS segment.“Apollo brings deep experience supporting complex carve-outs and public market transactions,” Vitalone said.Upcoming IPOCompany officials aim to take the MMS segment public in the second half of calendar year 2027. The company has emphasized, however, that the timing of the IPO will, ultimately, depend on market conditions and regulatory approvals. 2026-05-15T09:41:59-05:00 Liz Beaulieu https://www.hmenews.com/article/mckesson-moves-mms-closer-to-ipo#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/growing-the-george-s-way-in-ohio BROOKVILLE, Ind. – George’s Pharmacy & Medical Equipment, which has 11 locations in Indiana, is taking its hands-on approach to customer service to Ohio, where it recently opened a location in Blue Ash, its first in the state.“I’ve always wanted to go to Ohio,” said Trent Gillman, owner and CFO. “Nobody offers the full everything, a one-stop shop in Ohio. So, our goal is to start out in Cincinnati and see how it goes.”The family-owned George’s started in 1985 when Trent’s father, George Gillman, bought a Rexall Drugs in Brookville, Ind. His brother Blake Gillman joined as a pharmacist in 1999, giving George Gillman more time to delve into DME and pharmacy, even going as far as to obtain an assistive technology professional (ATP) certification from RESNA.One-stop shop drives referrals, growthToday, George’s is a one-stop for DME, complex rehab, respiratory, disposable medical supplies, lymphedema and continuous glucose monitoring, as well as home and vehicle modifications.“That’s one of the main things that’s made us successful in our referral base,” said Butch Martin, executive vice president of sales & marketing, who joined the company from Invacare in 2017. “If a patient needs five different product categories, they don’t have to send them to five different locations. We try to treat people like our neighbors.”Leaning in during COVID has paid offLike most providers, the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 created a lot of challenges for George’s, but it also allowed the provider to step up, for its employees and its community, says Gillman.“A lot of our competitors were doing limited DME, just doing discharges, and we said, ‘We’re not going to do that,’” he said. “We kept all our staff employed and we went out and were doing lift chairs, we were doing commodes, and the business really grew like crazy.”Inside the ‘George’s Way’As a small company, George’s takes a nimble approach to running the business, says Gillman. While the company has standard operating procedures and KPIs that its employees must meet, it empowers its employees to make decisions. That’s resulted in happier customers and a high employee retention rate.“We felt empowering our employees to act individually has been a lot better than micromanaging them,” he said. “We kind of have a secret sauce called the George’s Way.”What’s next for George’sWith the new Ohio location opened, George’s will eventually look to add a handful of additional locations in Indiana, as well as look at a few other states, says Gillman.“What we’d like to do is copy what we’ve done in Indiana to the state of Ohio,” he said. “Once we get Ohio rocking and rolling, then we’ll go down to Kentucky and do the same thing there. If you have good people, you can keep replicating (your model). It’s the George’s way.”Photo courtesy of George's Pharmacy and Medical Equipment. 2026-05-15T09:39:00-05:00 Theresa Flaherty https://www.hmenews.com/article/growing-the-george-s-way-in-ohio#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/medline-focuses-on-mitigation-as-oil-prices-tariffs-shift NORTHFIELD, Ill. – Medline is taking a “measured approach” to shifting oil prices and tariff rates, company officials say, as it prepares for potential impacts later this year.The company saw minimal impact to its profit and loss from the conflict in the Strait of Hormuz in the first quarter but expects a larger – though still immaterial – effect in the second quarter, when diesel prices climbed above $5 per gallon.“Consistent with how we have historically managed inflationary matters, we do not intend to react immediately,” said CFO Mike Drazin during a recent conference call to discuss the company’s first quarter 2026 financial results. “We'll take a measured approach as we assess the situation. Should the conflict evolve, we will plan to execute our playbook and share updates on the impact to our business.”From an input cost perspective, Medline spends about 50 basis points of its total cost of goods on fuel for domestic freight and fuel surcharges for inbound freight, Drazin said.Oil price volatility is also beginning to flow through the company’s supply chain, with suppliers passing along higher costs tied to petroleum-based raw materials such as resins and plastics, he said.“We are working to mitigate those costs where possible,” he said. “Given we carry a significant amount of inventory, we don’t expect to see these inflationary costs hit our P&L until late Q2 or Q3.”At this point, Medline has not raised prices in response to the Middle East conflict.“We still continue to evaluate the impact to our business, how long this may last, what costs are being impacted and at what rates,” Drazin said.  “We'll evaluate and run our playbook as we have run in the past.”Tariff outlook tied to summer resetMedline also expects the current tariff environment to shift later this summer, when temporary measures expire and new policies are put in place. The company anticipates those tariffs will be replaced with actions under more traditional authorities, such as Sections 232 or 301, effectively restoring tariff levels closer to those in place before the Supreme Court’s ruling.As with fuel-related costs, officials say the company will rely on its existing playbook to mitigate increases before making pricing decisions.“If you remember, tariffs last year went from 30% to 145% then went back down to 30% in a very short timeframe,” said CEO Jim Boyle. “Had we reacted in that time, we would've looked silly. That's the way we view this situation.”Related: Gov't launches investigation into medical equipment import vulnerabilities. 2026-05-15T09:32:00-05:00 Liz Beaulieu https://www.hmenews.com/article/medline-focuses-on-mitigation-as-oil-prices-tariffs-shift#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/live-at-home-takes-another-step-toward-home-access-certification FLUSHING, Mich. – VGM Live at Home (LAH) in April took another step toward launching its Institute of Home Access Professionals (IHAP) certification program by participating in an open house at the Victor House, a fully renovated “living showroom” for home accessibility solutions.The Victor House, a three-bedroom, two-bath residence in Flushing, Mich., serves as the backdrop for education and training videos that will make up the coursework for the IHAP program. The home showcases a wide range of accessible design and aging-in-place products in a real-world environment.“We previously completed the first half of the video shoot of the home in its condition before construction to show the home’s barriers,” said Cindi Petito, director of LAH. “Over the summer, we’ll shoot the second half of the videos to show all the solutions available.”COR Freedom Home Accessibility purchased the property and completed the renovation of the home, which is named after its previous owner, a veteran of World War II. The rehab included construction of a bedroom and bathroom addition and the installation of numerous accessibility products and features, ranging from grab bars to powered kitchen cabinets and countertops.Once launched, the IHAP program will be approved by the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) and will establish best practices and standards for both health care and home accessibility industries, Petito said.“What we aim to do is not just build a foundation of best practices but also bring together the two siloed industries so they understand each other’s professional roles, responsibilities and expertise in the provision of providing home access products and services,” she said.The certification will require participants to complete a defined amount of education, pass an exam and renew their credentials every two years – similar to other certification programs in the complex rehab technology (CRT) industry.“There will be accountability,” Petito said. “Home accessibility has long operated like the Wild West and with the rapid growth of aging in place, we believe professional education is essential, so companies are properly trained to evaluate needs and recommend the right solutions, ultimately delivering better outcomes for consumers.”To support the program’s launch later this year, LAH plans to introduce a new LAH Store in May. Initially, the online portal will feature a library of on-demand webinars. Once IHAP goes live, the store will serve as the central hub for the certification program.LAH is also rebranding its annual Building Opportunities Summit, which will now be called the Live at Home Summit. The event is scheduled for Oct. 14-16 in Atlanta.Photo courtesy of VGM Live at Home. 2026-05-15T09:29:00-05:00 Liz Beaulieu https://www.hmenews.com/article/live-at-home-takes-another-step-toward-home-access-certification#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/in-brief-new-moratorium-new-medtrade-owner-new-stay-of-enrollment-scope WASHINGTON – The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will implement a six-month, nationwide data-driven moratorium on new Medicare enrollment for hospices and home health agencies (HHAs).CMS says the moratorium, which will temporarily halt the influx of new providers into these high-risk categories, continues the Trump Administration’s crackdown on fraud, waste and abuse in the Medicare program.“We’ve seen systemic and deeply troubling fraud in the hospice and home health space, with bad actors exploiting some of our most vulnerable Medicare patients and stealing money from the American taxpayer,” said CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz. “Today we’re shutting the door on fraud – preventing new bad actors from entering Medicare while we aggressively identify, investigate, and remove those already exploiting them.”In February, CMS announced a six-month moratorium on DMEPOS suppliers.During the moratorium, CMS says it will intensify targeted investigations, deploy advanced data analytics, and accelerate the removal of hospice and HHA providers from the Medicare program that are suspected of committing fraud.Recent CMS action, undertaken in coordination with Vice President JD Vance’s Anti-Fraud Task Force, has included the suspension of payments to 773 hospices and 23 HHAs suspected of fraud in Los Angeles alone, representing $70 million in suspended funds thus far.Additional CMS work has included:Revoking or deactivating hundreds of hospices and HHAs engaged in improper or fraudulent activity;Conducting nationwide hospice site visits to verify operations and identify suspicious activity;Heightened oversight of newly enrolled Medicare hospice providers in states with elevated fraud risk, including Arizona, California, Georgia, Ohio, Nevada and Texas;Launching a new, publicly available hospice scoring system to increase transparency and identify providers with troubling patterns of utilization, quality, or compliance;Implementing enhanced enrollment screening measures for high-risk HHAs, including site verification of reported practice locations and fingerprinting-based background checks; andExpanding a demonstration project that allows pre- and post-claim review of HHA claims in Florida, Illinois, Oklahoma, Ohio, North Carolina, and Texas to stop improper payments before they occur.Additional information on the moratorium can be found via the Federal Register at:https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2026-09717 (Home Health)https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2026-09718 (Hospice)Emerald Holding and its Medtrade trade show will have new ownerNEW YORK – Apollo-managed funds have entered into separate definitive agreements to acquire Emerald Holding, Inc., which organizes Medtrade, and Questex, with the intention to combine the businesses to create a leading North American B2B experiential events and media platform, in an all-cash transaction.Apollo says Emerald and Questex, together, would create a scaled B2B events platform with approximately 160 events across complementary end markets, combining Emerald’s category-leading exhibitions with Questex’s differentiated events portfolio and 365-day digital engagement model. It says the combined business is expected to be well-positioned to drive organic growth and serve as a strategic partner of choice for founders and operators in the large and fragmented B2B events landscape.“Over the past several years, we have transformed the portfolio with a clear focus on higher-growth, market-leading brands, building a more diversified mix of events and the strongest portfolio in our history,” said Hervé Sedky, president and CEO of Emerald. “We are grateful to Onex for their partnership and support in building Emerald into what it is today. We believe the acquisition by Apollo Funds and the subsequent combination with Questex will provide the enhanced resources, strategic support, and long-term capital to accelerate our growth and deliver lasting value for our customers, employees, and stakeholders.”The transaction is expected to be completed in the second half of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.Questex has a presence in the life sciences, health and wellness markets, as well as living, and entertainment and infrastructure. In the health market, it owns Fierce Healthcare and the Fierce Health Payer Summit.Apollo recently bought a stake in McKesson’s Medical-Surgical Solutions segment.Stakeholders press CMS for clarification on vent requirementWASHINGTON – AAHomecare has joined several advocacy and patient groups in signing a letter to CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz requesting immediate clarification on guidance for continuing-use criteria for home mechanical ventilators (HMVs) and respiratory assist devices (RADs) for Medicare beneficiaries with chronic respiratory failure due to COPD. In the absence of clear guidance, informal supplier surveys show that more than 50% of beneficiaries using HMVs or RADs could be required to return their equipment and discontinue therapy, even when their physicians believe it is medically necessary. Stakeholders argue that strict adherence to Medicare’s adherence requirement of four or more hours of use per day on 70% of days within a 30-day period does not reflect the clinical course of COPD. They emphasize that patients often experience variable tolerance during the first six months of therapy and that a single month of subthreshold use during the maintenance phase should not trigger loss of coverage. Stakeholders also request clarification on the threshold requirement for highintensity settings for RAD bilevel pressure capability devices with a backup rate. They urge CMS to issue guidance applicable to all audit contractors before the end of April, retroactive to April 1, to ensure that patients who medically require these devices can maintain access.Related: Viemed is hitting an inflection point in its ventilator business under new Medicare rules, with stronger compliance and accelerating referrals offset by higher patient turnover.CMS expands scope of stay-of-enrollmentWASHINGTON – The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on May 18 will begin applying additional scenarios where stay-of-enrollment can be applied on non-compliant DMEPOS suppliers, AAHomecare reports. Those scenarios:Liability insurance and surety bond cancellationsSite visit non-compliance determinationsFailure to respond to development requests within 30 days for revalidations or changes to informationBackgroundStay-of-enrollment is a preliminary action CMS can take on non-compliant providers. Instead of revoking or deactivating supplier numbers, for certain scenarios, suppliers can be put on a stay-of-enrollment that will pause their enrollment providing up to 60 days to correct the non-compliance. The stay was first implemented for DMEPOS providers in 2024 for specific scenarios such as failure to respond to revalidation request or timely reporting of address changes.For more informationCheck out this updated MLN Matters article.SOAR Act surpasses 50 sign-onsWASHINGTON – More than 13 leading respiratory patient, physician and provider organizations applaud the now more than 50 co-sponsors for the Supplemental Oxygen Access Reform (SOAR) Act (H.R. 2902/S.1406), according to the Council for Quality Respiratory Care (CQRC).  The SOAR Act would modernize Medicare’s oxygen benefit, improve access to respiratory therapists, and strengthen patient protections – helping reduce avoidable hospitalizations and allowing people to remain active and independent, supporters say. Importantly, the SOAR Act would also restore access to liquid oxygen, which has become nearly impossible to obtain in many parts of the country, despite being essential for patients with the highest needs, they say. “By passing the SOAR Act, Congress can help the more than 1.5 million individuals living with COPD, heart disease, pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary fibrosis, people awaiting lung transplants and other advanced chronic respiratory diseases who rely on supplemental oxygen live independently and healthily,” the organizations stated in a letter to Congress. This bill also addresses challenges faced by people who are low-income and rural and medically underserved who currently struggle to secure adequate care.”Related: CQRC sees momentum on SOAR Act as engagement deepens.North Carolina extends Medicaid rate floorRALEIGH, N.C. – Both chambers of the North Carolina General Assembly have approved a oneyear extension of the state’s Medicaid rate floor, moving its expiration from June 30, 2026, to June 30, 2027, according to a bulletin from AAHomecare. House Bill 696 was signed into law by Gov. Josh Stein on April 30. This extension builds on a success for North Carolina providers first achieved in 2021, when the state enacted Senate Bill 594 to establish a Medicaid rate floor for DMEPOS. That legislation set reimbursement at 100% of the lesser of a supplier’s usual charge or the maximum allowable Medicaid feeforservice rate. The fiveyear protection, effective July 1, 2021, ensured that Medicaid managed care organizations could not cut DMEPOS reimbursement below sustainable levels. The AAHomecare team worked closely with Dick Carlton, ACMESA’s lobbyist, and Hampton Billups with Checkmate, who was retained by Aeroflow Health.Related: Provider Tyler Riddle lobbies for payment parity for Georgia Medicaid.Related: Stakeholders get parity bill passed in NY.AMA announces educational video series on caring for people with disabilitiesCHICAGO – The American Medical Association (AMA) has announced a collaboration with the University of Colorado Anschutz on a new educational video series to help physicians and medical students provide high-quality, patient-centered care for people with disabilities. The Caring for People with Disabilities Series is free and available on AMA Ed Hub, AMA’s online learning platform. “The AMA and physicians everywhere want all patients to receive the best possible care – and that includes patients with disabilities,” said AMA President Bobby Mukkamala, MD. “This new video series addresses that challenge directly, and gives physicians and medical students practical tools to better understand their patients’ needs and improve access to care.” The video series offers free opportunities to earn continuing medical education (CME) credit. Each module in the series is under 30 minutes and accompanied by searchable transcripts. The first five modules in the series are available now and include: Foundational Concepts, Foundations of Clinical Care, Medical Decision-Making, Accommodations and Accessibility in Healthcare and Effective Communication. 2026-05-15T09:23:58-05:00 HME News Staff https://www.hmenews.com/article/in-brief-new-moratorium-new-medtrade-owner-new-stay-of-enrollment-scope#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/stakeholders-press-cms-for-clarification-on-vent-requirement WASHINGTON – AAHomecare has joined several advocacy and patient groups in signing a letter to CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz requesting immediate clarification on guidance for continuing-use criteria for home mechanical ventilators (HMVs) and respiratory assist devices (RADs) for Medicare beneficiaries with chronic respiratory failure due to COPD. In the absence of clear guidance, informal supplier surveys show that more than 50% of beneficiaries using HMVs or RADs could be required to return their equipment and discontinue therapy, even when their physicians believe it is medically necessary. Stakeholders argue that strict adherence to Medicare’s adherence requirement of four or more hours of use per day on 70% of days within a 30-day period does not reflect the clinical course of COPD. They emphasize that patients often experience variable tolerance during the first six months of therapy and that a single month of subthreshold use during the maintenance phase should not trigger loss of coverage. Stakeholders also request clarification on the threshold requirement for highintensity settings for RAD bilevel pressure capability devices with a backup rate. They urge CMS to issue guidance applicable to all audit contractors before the end of April, retroactive to April 1, to ensure that patients who medically require these devices can maintain access.Related: Viemed is hitting an inflection point in its ventilator business under new Medicare rules, with stronger compliance and accelerating referrals offset by higher patient turnover. 2026-05-14T15:14:51-05:00 HME News Staff https://www.hmenews.com/article/stakeholders-press-cms-for-clarification-on-vent-requirement#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/cms-expands-scope-of-stay-of-enrollment WASHINGTON – The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on May 18 will begin applying additional scenarios where stay-of-enrollment can be applied on non-compliant DMEPOS suppliers, AAHomecare reports. Those scenarios:Liability insurance and surety bond cancellationsSite visit non-compliance determinationsFailure to respond to development requests within 30 days for revalidations or changes to informationBackgroundStay-of-enrollment is a preliminary action CMS can take on non-compliant providers. Instead of revoking or deactivating supplier numbers, for certain scenarios, suppliers can be put on a stay-of-enrollment that will pause their enrollment providing up to 60 days to correct the non-compliance. The stay was first implemented for DMEPOS providers in 2024 for specific scenarios such as failure to respond to revalidation request or timely reporting of address changes.For more informationCheck out this updated MLN Matters article. 2026-05-14T15:12:35-05:00 HME News Staff https://www.hmenews.com/article/cms-expands-scope-of-stay-of-enrollment#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/sales-forge-ahead-with-confidence Q. Is my sales team selling outcomes or equipment?A. Good question, and you already know the answer. Do they “show up and throw up” - listing the equipment your company provides to the gatekeeper of an account or someone who walked into your retail space? Do you hear this response: “Do you have information you can leave with me?” or “I’m just looking around.” If so, the sales rep just became a commodity. Or worse, a second option.Here’s why that happens – most sales reps are hired to sell specific products or a range of equipment to a specific buyer. Their KPIs and bonuses are tied to selling equipment. Their training is about equipment. Great. But why is the equipment being bought or referred in the first place? It’s to solve a problem.Ask yourself this question: “Why do I exercise?” Your answer was not “Because I love the equipment at my gym” or “I really like my Peloton.” It’s never about the equipment. Your answer was focused on your desired outcome. Something like, to live longer, have improved mental clarity, and reduce stress. Referral sources and buyers of DME want and need a trusted partner who improves quality of life or helps their practice run better. They have a desired outcome in mind.So, how do we get sales teams to start selling outcomes?Install a standard. Ask each sales rep this question before every call: “Why should the (gatekeeper, physician, discharge planner, etc.) stop using who they currently use and start using us?” Their answer should be a specific outcome that's:Relevant to the role of the person they are speaking withRelated to something your company providesSomething their current supplier does not provideIf the answer is about equipment, they aren’t ready to walk in the door. If it makes someone’s life easier, forge ahead with confidence.BJ Anderson is the president of QP3 Training Systems, Inc. He can be reached at BJA@QP3.com. 2026-05-13T14:06:00-05:00 BJ Anderson https://www.hmenews.com/article/sales-forge-ahead-with-confidence#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/payer-relations-have-a-game-plan Q. What can we do about a payment system that's failing DME suppliers?A. Intermediaries and third-party administrators (TPAs) have become significant players in how durable medical equipment reaches patients. For DME businesses serving everyday communities, the burden is becoming difficult to sustain.As the prevalence of TPAs supporting Medicaid Managed Care and Medicare Advantage payers trends upward, our industry needs a game plan to respond to an evolving model that, without proper checks, creates real hardship for suppliers and the patients who depend on them. Local relationships. Community accountability. Personalized patient care. These aren't abstract values — they are what core DME businesses have always delivered.For DME suppliers: Steps you can take todayEngage directly with the payers. Provide detailed information as to your concerns. Data helps tell your story in a meaningful way. Use readily available data to provide detailed information on your service metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs). Highlight the value you bring to the payer and ask to keep a direct contract.Engage your referral sources directly to share your concerns.Diversify payer mix strategically. Pursue payer contracts with more favorable terms, grow cash-pay and direct-to-employer relationships, and explore value-based arrangements that reward outcomes over volume.State associations and AAHomecare are here to support you in these battles. Suppliers who aren't actively participating in advocacy, showing up at state budget hearings, sharing patient impact stories with legislators are ceding the field.For patients: Your voice carries real weightIf your equipment has been delayed or your preferred supplier was bypassed, ask your insurer specifically why.File a formal grievance with your health plan, every complaint creates a record.Reach out to your state or federal legislators. Patient stories move policy in ways that industry data alone cannot.The DME industry and the patients it serves are stronger together. All suppliers bring irreplaceable community value. With the right tools, advocacy and awareness, that value can be protected.Cadie McGonagill is senior director of payer relations for AAHomecare. 2026-05-13T14:03:48-05:00 Cadie McGonagill https://www.hmenews.com/article/payer-relations-have-a-game-plan#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/cgms-avoid-the-leaky-bucket Q. I'm adding CGM patients every month, but my overall program is not growing the way I'd expect. What am I missing?A. Your program might have a leaky bucket.It's one of the most common and costly problems in CGM resupply. Providers focus heavily on new patient acquisition, which is important, but if patients are quietly dropping off the back end, acquisition alone will not grow your resupply program at the rate you're expecting. You could be adding 50 new patients a month and losing 25, and your net growth is only half of what your intake numbers suggest.Beyond the raw numbers, think about lifetime value. Research consistently shows it costs over five times more to acquire a new CGM patient than to retain an existing one. A patient who stays on the program contributes years of recurring revenue.One fix starts at intake. One of the most underutilized tools in resupply is simply asking patients how they prefer to be contacted, whether by phone, text, email or direct mail, and documenting it. A patient who gets a reminder the way they want it, at the right time, is far more likely to stay engaged than one who receives a generic outreach they ignore or do not see at all.From there, build a proactive outreach cadence. Don't wait for patients to call you. Know when their supply is due and reach out first. That single habit closes more leaks than almost anything else.Finally, measure it. Most DME providers can tell you how many new patients they added last month, but far fewer can tell you their retention rate. If you don't know your number, you don't know the true health of your program, and you can't fix what you're not tracking.Brett Siegal is director of marketing & business development for DDP Medical Supply. Reach him at bsiegal@ddpmedical.com. 2026-05-13T13:59:00-05:00 Brett Siegal https://www.hmenews.com/article/cgms-avoid-the-leaky-bucket#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/soar-act-surpasses-50-sign-ons WASHINGTON – More than 13 leading respiratory patient, physician and provider organizations applaud the now more than 50 co-sponsors for the Supplemental Oxygen Access Reform (SOAR) Act (H.R. 2902/S.1406), according to the Council for Quality Respiratory Care (CQRC). The SOAR Act would modernize Medicare’s oxygen benefit, improve access to respiratory therapists, and strengthen patient protections – helping reduce avoidable hospitalizations and allowing people to remain active and independent, supporters say. Importantly, the SOAR Act would also restore access to liquid oxygen, which has become nearly impossible to obtain in many parts of the country, despite being essential for patients with the highest needs, they say. “By passing the SOAR Act, Congress can help the more than 1.5 million individuals living with COPD, heart disease, pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary fibrosis, people awaiting lung transplants and other advanced chronic respiratory diseases who rely on supplemental oxygen live independently and healthily,” the organizations stated in a letter to Congress. This bill also addresses challenges faced by people who are low-income and rural and medically underserved who currently struggle to secure adequate care.”Related: CQRC sees momentum on SOAR Act as engagement deepens. 2026-05-13T13:41:37-05:00 HME News Staff https://www.hmenews.com/article/soar-act-surpasses-50-sign-ons#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/north-carolina-extends-medicaid-rate-floor RALEIGH, N.C. – Both chambers of the North Carolina General Assembly have approved a oneyear extension of the state’s Medicaid rate floor, moving its expiration from June 30, 2026, to June 30, 2027, according to a bulletin from AAHomecare. House Bill 696 was signed into law by Gov. Josh Stein on April 30. This extension builds on a success for North Carolina providers first achieved in 2021, when the state enacted Senate Bill 594 to establish a Medicaid rate floor for DMEPOS. That legislation set reimbursement at 100% of the lesser of a supplier’s usual charge or the maximum allowable Medicaid feeforservice rate. The fiveyear protection, effective July 1, 2021, ensured that Medicaid managed care organizations could not cut DMEPOS reimbursement below sustainable levels. The AAHomecare team worked closely with Dick Carlton, ACMESA’s lobbyist, and Hampton Billups with Checkmate, who was retained by Aeroflow Health.Related: Provider Tyler Riddle lobbies for payment parity for Georgia Medicaid.Related: Stakeholders get parity bill passed in NY. 2026-05-13T13:39:30-05:00 HME News Staff https://www.hmenews.com/article/north-carolina-extends-medicaid-rate-floor#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/ama-announces-educational-video-series-on-caring-for-people-with-disabilities CHICAGO – The American Medical Association (AMA) has announced a collaboration with the University of Colorado Anschutz on a new educational video series to help physicians and medical students provide high-quality, patient-centered care for people with disabilities. The Caring for People with Disabilities Series is free and available on AMA Ed Hub, AMA’s online learning platform. “The AMA and physicians everywhere want all patients to receive the best possible care – and that includes patients with disabilities,” said AMA President Bobby Mukkamala, MD. “This new video series addresses that challenge directly, and gives physicians and medical students practical tools to better understand their patients’ needs and improve access to care.” The video series offers free opportunities to earn continuing medical education (CME) credit. Each module in the series is under 30 minutes and accompanied by searchable transcripts. The first five modules in the series are available now and include: Foundational Concepts, Foundations of Clinical Care, Medical Decision-Making, Accommodations and Accessibility in Healthcare and Effective Communication. 2026-05-13T13:37:33-05:00 HME News Staff https://www.hmenews.com/article/ama-announces-educational-video-series-on-caring-for-people-with-disabilities#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/cms-announces-moratorium-on-hospice-home-health-agency-enrollments WASHINGTON – The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will implement a six-month, nationwide data-driven moratorium on new Medicare enrollment for hospices and home health agencies (HHAs).CMS says the moratorium, which will temporarily halt the influx of new providers into these high-risk categories, continues the Trump Administration’s crackdown on fraud, waste and abuse in the Medicare program.“We’ve seen systemic and deeply troubling fraud in the hospice and home health space, with bad actors exploiting some of our most vulnerable Medicare patients and stealing money from the American taxpayer,” said CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz. “Today we’re shutting the door on fraud – preventing new bad actors from entering Medicare while we aggressively identify, investigate, and remove those already exploiting them.”In February, CMS announced a six-month moratorium on DMEPOS suppliers.During the moratorium, CMS says it will intensify targeted investigations, deploy advanced data analytics, and accelerate the removal of hospice and HHA providers from the Medicare program that are suspected of committing fraud.Recent CMS action, undertaken in coordination with Vice President JD Vance’s Anti-Fraud Task Force, has included the suspension of payments to 773 hospices and 23 HHAs suspected of fraud in Los Angeles alone, representing $70 million in suspended funds thus far.Additional CMS work has included:Revoking or deactivating hundreds of hospices and HHAs engaged in improper or fraudulent activity;Conducting nationwide hospice site visits to verify operations and identify suspicious activity;Heightened oversight of newly enrolled Medicare hospice providers in states with elevated fraud risk, including Arizona, California, Georgia, Ohio, Nevada and Texas;Launching a new, publicly available hospice scoring system to increase transparency and identify providers with troubling patterns of utilization, quality, or compliance;Implementing enhanced enrollment screening measures for high-risk HHAs, including site verification of reported practice locations and fingerprinting-based background checks; andExpanding a demonstration project that allows pre- and post-claim review of HHA claims in Florida, Illinois, Oklahoma, Ohio, North Carolina, and Texas to stop improper payments before they occur.Additional information on the moratorium can be found via the Federal Register at: https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2026-09717 (Home Health) and https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2026-09718 (Hospice). 2026-05-13T13:35:02-05:00 HME News Staff https://www.hmenews.com/article/cms-announces-moratorium-on-hospice-home-health-agency-enrollments#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/emerald-holding-and-its-medtrade-trade-show-will-have-new-owner NEW YORK – Apollo-managed funds have entered into separate definitive agreements to acquire Emerald Holding, Inc., which organizes Medtrade, and Questex, with the intention to combine the businesses to create a leading North American B2B experiential events and media platform, in an all-cash transaction.Apollo says Emerald and Questex, together, would create a scaled B2B events platform with approximately 160 events across complementary end markets, combining Emerald’s category-leading exhibitions with Questex’s differentiated events portfolio and 365-day digital engagement model. It says the combined business is expected to be well-positioned to drive organic growth and serve as a strategic partner of choice for founders and operators in the large and fragmented B2B events landscape.“Over the past several years, we have transformed the portfolio with a clear focus on higher-growth, market-leading brands, building a more diversified mix of events and the strongest portfolio in our history,” said Hervé Sedky, president and CEO of Emerald. “We are grateful to Onex for their partnership and support in building Emerald into what it is today. We believe the acquisition by Apollo Funds and the subsequent combination with Questex will provide the enhanced resources, strategic support, and long-term capital to accelerate our growth and deliver lasting value for our customers, employees, and stakeholders.”The transaction is expected to be completed in the second half of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.Questex has a presence in the life sciences, health and wellness markets, as well as living, and entertainment and infrastructure. In the health market, it owns Fierce Healthcare and the Fierce Health Payer Summit.Apollo recently bought a stake in McKesson’s Medical-Surgical Solutions segment. 2026-05-13T13:31:00-05:00 HME News Staff https://www.hmenews.com/article/emerald-holding-and-its-medtrade-trade-show-will-have-new-owner#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/accendra-health-lags-in-q1-but-lays-groundwork-for-standalone-status RICHMOND, Va. – Accendra Health’s overall growth rates during the first quarter were “not where they need to be,” but execs say they’ve laid the groundwork for long-term health as a standalone company.Streamlining after loss of contractThe company has mostly completed its previously announced exit from its contract with a large commercial payer while working to ensure continuity of care for patients, CEO Edward Pesicka said on a recent earnings call. That included the sale of equipment for cash proceeds of $82 million, resulting in a book gain of $52 million, and the transition of personnel, along with other variable and certain fixed costs, all to the same industry player.“This solution provided the best outcome for all stakeholders, particularly patients, and also allowed us to quickly begin the rationalization of our corporate infrastructure as we pivot away from this large commercial payer,” said Pesicka.Signing new contractsAccendra Health recently reached an agreement for an exclusive multi-year extension with its largest commercial payer for soft goods, including ostomy, urology, diabetes and incontinence, says Pesicka.“This extension of the long-standing partnership provides certainty for our business in the years ahead,” he said. “Going forward, we will continue to be excited about pursuing both fee-for-service agreements, as well as capitated agreements, which still can be very compelling under the right circumstances.”Keying in on sleepAccendra Heath is doubling down on its sleep business, which grew 4% in the first quarter year-over-year, says Pesicka.The company recently piloted a Sleep Center of Excellence to serve as a centralized point for PAP initiation. Previously, it launched a Sleep Journey program to improve adherence rates and average order value.“The combination of the Sleep Journey and our new Sleep Center of Excellence will enable us to improve patient capture and patient adherence and to enhance the experience for all stakeholders, patients, providers and payers, which should result in improved growth,” said Pesicka.Strengthening balance sheetAccendra Health has also announced a more than $1.5 billion comprehensive balance sheet optimization transaction with commitments from existing creditors that the company says will strengthen the balance sheet, significantly extend maturities and reduce total leverage.Related readingOwens & Minor to kick off new year with new name.It's official: Accendra Health goes live on NYSE. 2026-05-13T08:46:00-05:00 HME News Staff https://www.hmenews.com/article/accendra-health-lags-in-q1-but-lays-groundwork-for-standalone-status#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/acu-serve-adds-executive-level-position-as-company-builds-for-the-future AKRON, Ohio – ACU-Serve has appointed Natasha Baria Mehta as president, a strategic leadership addition that the company says reflects its continued investment in growth, operational excellence and innovation across the health care revenue cycle management (RCM) industry.In this role, Mehta will oversee operational strategy, organizational performance and long-term growth initiatives across ACU-Serve’s HME, infusion and home health divisions. She will focus on strengthening operational alignment, enhancing client outcomes, advancing scalable technology solutions and supporting health care providers in navigating increasingly complex reimbursement and compliance environments.“Natasha is stepping in this role at a pivotal time for ACU-Serve, as we continue to build for the future,” said Jim Knight, CEO of ACU-Serve. “As part of our long-term growth and succession strategy, we were focused on finding a leader who not only brings deep operational expertise but also understands how to help scale a company while maintaining strong client relationships and measurable performance. Natasha’s experience leading complex health care revenue cycle organizations, combined with her strategic mindset and disciplined execution, makes her the right person to help lead ACU-Serve into its next phase of growth.”Mehta brings more than 25 years of health care RCM experience to the role. She most recently served as president and CEO at GetixHealth, where she led a global workforce of nearly 2,000 employees across 10 locations, supporting some of the national’s largest health care organizations and health systems while managing more than $12 billion in revenue.Prior to GetixHealth, Mehta held senior leadership positions at HCA Healthcare/Parallon, McKesson Specialty Health, Deloitte Consulting and St. Luke’s Episcopal Health System.“What drew me to ACU-Serve was the people and the culture,” Mehta said. “Revenue cycle management can be done anywhere, but organizations built on integrity, transparency, collaboration and respect stand apart. ACU-Serve has built a strong foundation inn highlight specialized markets, and I’m excited to work alongside this team as we continue to growth both deeper within our industries and broader in the solutions we provider to clients.”Related: ACU-Serve speeds up growth. 2026-05-12T10:24:00-05:00 HME News Staff https://www.hmenews.com/article/acu-serve-adds-executive-level-position-as-company-builds-for-the-future#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/new-study-nationwide-telemedicine-adoption-was-not-significantly-associated-with-changes-in-visits-o YARMOUTH, Maine – Telemedicine adoption is not significantly associated with changes in visits or spending – overall or across major payer groups – easing concerns about large spending increases, according to a recent article published in JAMA. In this cohort study using difference-in-differences analysis of more than 3 million U.S. adults during 2019-23, point estimates suggested that high-telemedicine-adopting areas had 2.4% fewer visits and 0.5% lower spending. Researchers found utilization and spending changes were consistently null across Medicare fee-for-service, Medicare Advantage, Medicaid and dually eligible and commercially insured populations. Their conclusion:“Telemedicine is now widely used, stimulated by pandemic-era expansion rules and payment parity to in-person visits. Lawmakers continue to consider how to revise existing policies because of uncertainty about the potential for telemedicine to increase utilization and spending…Nationwide telemedicine adoption was not significantly associated with changes in visits or spending, either overall or when stratified by urbanicity, payer type or area-level social vulnerability, thus easing concerns about large utilization and spending increases from telemedicine expansion.”Dig into the article here.Related: Telehealth extension provides stability - for now. 2026-05-12T10:21:00-05:00 HME News Staff https://www.hmenews.com/article/new-study-nationwide-telemedicine-adoption-was-not-significantly-associated-with-changes-in-visits-o#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/researchers-to-compare-three-most-common-treatments-for-sleep-apnea-for-effectiveness TUCSON, Az. – University of Arizona researchers will use a five-year, nearly $14 million award from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) to support a clinical trial comparing three common treatments for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) for effectiveness. The three treatments: CPAP therapy, dental devices and oral medication. "Sleep apnea can significantly affect quality of life and is costly to the workforce through lost productivity," said Dr. Sairam Parthasarathy, director of the Center for Sleep, Circadian & Neuroscience Research and professor of medicine in the College of Medicine – Tucson. "Each of the three available therapies has benefits and downsides. Our goal is to understand which treatment works best for an individual patient." Parthasarathy and his team have previously received PCORI funding to study CPAP adherence and other strategies to improve sleep apnea treatment. PCORI is a nonprofit organization with a mission to fund patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research designed to provide patients and those who care for them with evidence to make better-informed health care decisions. For more information, visit the University of Arizona’s website.Related: Funding expands ‘peer buddy’ program for sleep apnea patients. 2026-05-12T10:19:25-05:00 HME News Staff https://www.hmenews.com/article/researchers-to-compare-three-most-common-treatments-for-sleep-apnea-for-effectiveness#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/vgm-advises-providers-on-how-to-build-a-smarter-stronger-business WATERLOO, Iowa – VGM & Associates has released “VGM Playbook: Building a Smarter, Stronger Business” to help home-based care providers optimize operations, leverage technology and position their organizations for long-term success in an increasingly complex environment. “Our industry is being asked to do more with fewer resources while navigating constant change,” said Lindy Tentinger, president of VGM & Associates. “This playbook is about helping providers step back, evaluate how their business truly operates, and identify smarter, stronger ways to move forward. It’s all about building a business that can adapt, scale, and thrive long term.” Key areas explored in the playbook include:Strategic operations and scalable growth, including how data, marketplace insights, and revenue optimization can strengthen core service lines and support sustainable expansion.Technology and digital transformation, with actionable guidance on AI, automation, SEO, and digital decisionmaking that supports business performance.Education, payer relations, and risk management, highlighting how ongoing education, proactive strategies, and operational safeguards build resilience in a changing regulatory landscape.Members can download their copy at vgm.com/playbook or by logging in to the VGM members-only portal and downloading it from the Playbook tab. 2026-05-12T10:16:08-05:00 HME News Staff https://www.hmenews.com/article/vgm-advises-providers-on-how-to-build-a-smarter-stronger-business#comments-section https://www.hmenews.com/article/philips-re-appoints-jakobs-as-president-ceo AMSTERDAM – Royal Philips has announced that its shareholders have approved all proposals at the recent Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, including the re-appointment of Roy Jakobs as president/CEO and chairman and member of the board effective May 8. Other approvals:Appointment of John DeFord (American, 1962) as new member of the Supervisory Board, with effect from May 8, 2026.Re-appointment of Paul Stoffels (Belgian, 1962), Herna Verhagen (Dutch, 1966) and Sanjay Poonen (American, 1969) as members of the Supervisory Board, with effect from May 8, 2026.Discharge of the members of the Board of Management, and of the members of the Supervisory Board.“I appreciate the continued trust and support of our shareholders and Supervisory Board,” Jakobs said. “I would like to thank John DeFord for joining. Together with other Supervisory Board members, he brings valuable expertise to support management with strong oversight and guidance. I look forward to our continued close collaboration and am excited to deliver sustainable value for Philips and all its stakeholders as we drive profitable growth.”Related: Philips continues to lean on international sleep growth, as FDA path continues. 2026-05-12T10:13:46-05:00 HME News Staff https://www.hmenews.com/article/philips-re-appoints-jakobs-as-president-ceo#comments-section