ACMESA, AAH push for rate stabilization in VA 

RICHMOND, Va. – The Atlantic Coast Medical Equipment Services Association (ACMESA), along with AAHomecare, is asking stakeholders in Virginia to contact their lawmakers in the House and Senate to pass a budget amendment that would direct the state Medicaid program, the Department of Medical Assistance Services, to set reimbursement for DME at 100% of the Medicare rate in rural areas. “In recent years, the DME industry has seen significant cost increases due to supply chain issues, higher prices from manufacturers, and new operational requirements brought on by the current COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE),” the association states. “In this environment, it is important that Medicaid programs protect patient access to critically needed products and services by making sure DME reimbursements reflect the market realities facing suppliers. By supporting access to vital DME in the home, any additional cost to the state would be offset by decreasing utilization of emergency rooms and unnecessary hospitalization.” ACMESA and AAHomecare have set up an action center with information on Item 304 #14h in the House and Item 304 #28s in the Senate that includes a tool for sending a pre-populated message to lawmakers. The two organizations, along with the United Spinal Association of Virginia, are also asking stakeholders to contact their lawmakers to pass another budget amendment in the House, Item 304 #30h, that would direct DMAS to cover complex rehab wheelchair equipment and accessories for Medicaid recipients who live in a nursing facility in the state.