Tag: AAHomecare
In brief: No reimbursement relief, MGA Homecare deal, Henry Schein ‘Cheer’
December 20, 2024HME News Staff
WASHINGTON – Provisions to restore Medicare’s 75/25 blended reimbursement rates in non-bidding, non-rural areas are not a part of the end-of-year legislative package being considered by Congress, according to AAHomecare.
At press time, the measure to keep the government funded through mid-March 2025 was up in the air.
Industry stakeholders have been working all year to build support for its priority legislation, H.R. 5555 and S.1294, which would extend the blended...
Funding package moves forward without DME relief
December 18, 2024HME News Staff
WASHINGTON – Provisions to restore Medicare 75/25 blended rates in non-bidding, non-rural areas are not a part of the end-of-year legislative package released late Tuesday, according to a bulletin from AAHomecare.
The measure to keep the government funded through mid-March 2025 is on track for a House vote tonight and Senate consideration by Friday.
Industry stakeholders have been working all year to build support for its priority legislation, H.R. 5555 and S.1294, which would...
In brief: CPI-U update, telehealth push, payer portal
December 18, 2024HME News Staff
WASHINGTON – CMS has published a CPI-U increase for DMEPOS that ranges from 2.4% to 3% for calendar year 2025, AAHomecare reports.
Although the CPI-U is 3%, the inflation adjustment will differ depending on whether the item has been included in the competitive bidding program and whether the patient’s zip code is in a former competitive bidding area.
Below are the CPI-U adjustments for 2025:
CBP items in former CBAs (projected percentage change): +2.9%
CBP...
AAH to launch Payer Transparency Portal
December 16, 2024HME News Staff
WASHINGTON – AAHomecare has announced a new benefit for its HME provider members in 2025: the Payer Transparency Portal.
The association says the portal will provide:
Nationwide payer insights: Tap into data from more than 60 major commercial insurers to understand reimbursement trends and payment rates.
Competitive benchmarking: Compare your reimbursement rates to those of your peers and competitors.
Smarter negotiations: Leverage detailed data segmented by payer,...
CMS announces CPI-U increase
December 13, 2024HME News Staff
WASHINGTON – CMS has published a CPI-U increase for DMEPOS that ranges from 2.4% to 3% for calendar year 2025, AAHomecare reports.
Although the CPI-U is 3%, the inflation adjustment will differ depending on whether the item has been included in the competitive bidding program and whether the patient’s zip code is in a former competitive bidding area.
Below are the CPI-U adjustments for 2025:
CBP items in former CBAs (projected percentage change): +2.9%
CBP...
AAH joins efforts to extend telehealth flexibilities
December 9, 2024HME News Staff
WASHINGTON – AAHomecare joined 62 other organizations and health care providers in asking congressional leadership to extend the telehealth flexibilities that are set to expire Dec. 31 for at least two additional years. “The flexible telehealth policies put in place following the public health emergency (PHE) have been nothing shy of a lifeline for millions of patients – they have increased virtual access to a wider array of clinicians and services, mitigated the clinician shortage,...
In brief: Reimbursement relief, MA guardrails, Numotion pilot
December 6, 2024HME News Staff
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...
AAH on the hunt for next Homecare Champion
December 5, 2024HME News Staff
WASHINGTON – AAHomecare is accepting nominations for the Van G. Miller Homecare Champion Award, which celebrates individuals who have made significant contributions to improving patient care, advancing the industry and advocating for the needs of home care providers. To be considered for the Homecare Champion Award, nominees must demonstrate exceptional leadership, innovation and advocacy within the industry. Nominees can include industry professionals, caregivers, advocates and others who...
AAH makes tariffs top priority in coming months
December 5, 2024HME News Staff
WASHINGTON – AAHomecare hosted a call recently with 40 manufacturing stakeholders to discuss the potential impacts of new tariffs under president-elect Donald Trump and the industry’s response. Trump has signaled that he will impose tariffs on products from Mexico, Canada and China in 2025. “The hour-long call included an overview of the situation, as well as potential avenues to prevent or minimize the effects on our industry, such as engaging with the Commerce Dept. and Capitol...
Patient advocacy groups press leadership on reimbursement relief
December 4, 2024HME News Staff
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...