Thune discusses challenges with HME providers
By HME News Staff
Updated 1:10 PM CDT, Thu June 30, 2022
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., met with MAMES members in Sioux Falls, S.D., on June 29 to discuss the critical issues facing the HME industry.
Members, as well as executives from AAHomecare and The VGM Group, discussed critical staffing shortages, cost increases and surcharges, flawed reimbursement rates and burdensome documentation requirements.
“Sen. Thune spent an hour listening to MAMES members explain how they were an integral part of the health care continuum during the pandemic, playing a critical role in getting patients out of hospitals and long-term care facilities and allowing patients to cover in their homes,” said Rose Schafhauser, executive director of MAMES. “Members also shared the immense challenges they are operating under as health care providers.”
Members also thanked Thune for his leadership on past legislation, including the CARES Act, which includes a 75/25 blended reimbursement rate for non-bid, non-rural areas.
Members asked Thune for his help in extending the relief beyond the current public health emergency and getting answers from CMS about the future of its competitive bidding program.
“MAMES looks forward to working with Sen. Thune as we continue to work to protect our industry, our members and the clients and patients they serve every day,” Schafhauser said.
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