Patient advocacy groups press leadership on reimbursement relief
By HME News Staff
Updated 9:15 AM CST, Wed December 4, 2024
WASHINGTON – More than 30 leading patient advocacy organizations have weighed in with congressional leadership to support including provisions from H.R. 5555 and S. 1294 in any legislative package that moves before the end of the year, AAHomecare reports.
In a Dec. 2 letter from the ITEM Coalition, the groups assert that the expiration of 75/25 blended Medicare reimbursement rates on Jan. 1, 2024, has resulted in a “crushing blow to DMEPOS suppliers and providers, threatening to decimate the infrastructure that enables Medicare beneficiaries with disabilities and chronic conditions to manage their medical and functional needs at home.”
The letter comes as congressional leaders negotiate the size and scope of year-end legislative packages, including government funding legislation that must be passed by Dec. 20, AAHomecare says.
Groups like the ITEM Coalition don’t typically address reimbursement issues, focusing on coverage and coding, so the letter speaks volumes about the importance of relief, the association says.
“When reimbursement policies materially impact patient access to care, we feel we must weigh in with our members’ concerns,” the letter states.
Joining the ITEM Coalition is the ALS Association, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, the Spina Bifida Association, United Spinal Association and other well-known national organizations.
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