Tag: Home Medical Equipment (HME)
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...
Henry Schein brings ‘Holiday Cheer’
December 19, 2024HME News Staff
MELVILLE, N.Y. – Through its 26th annual “Holiday Cheer” program, Henry Schein team members at 15 company locations delivered joy to more than 1,150 individuals in the United States, United Kingdom and Ireland this season. Since 1999, this corporate flagship initiative has helped more than 20,000 underserved children, their families and senior citizens experience cheerful holidays, with members donating clothing, comfort items, toys, gift cards and more. “We are thrilled to...
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...
Quipt misses target but ‘optimistic’
December 18, 2024Theresa Flaherty, Managing Editor
CINCINNATI – Quipt Home Medical has made organic growth a top priority in fiscal year 2025, after it missed its target of 8% to 10% in fiscal year 2024, company execs say.
The company reported year-over-year organic growth of just 3% for FY 2024, amid industry-wide headwinds, including a $5 million revenue hit related to the expiration of the 75/25 Medicare blended reimbursement rates on Jan. 1, 2024, and the loss of Medicare Advantage members due to a capitated agreement between...
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...
HME Home Health positions for expansion
December 18, 2024HME News Staff
RICHMOND, B.C. – HME Home Health will open a new location in Kelowna in the spring, expanding the company’s operations for the Interior Region. “HME Kelowna is our central hub for servicing the interior region, including all surrounding towns and cities,” said Cameron Fleming, CIO & co-founder. “With the additional space, we have been able to expand our HME Kelowna team to 12 members and can further service the region from this new location.” Since opening in 2022,...
MGA Homecare makes buy, looks to expand nationally
December 18, 2024HME News Staff
DENVER – MGA Homecare, a provider of home and community-based physical and behavioral health services, has acquired Ward Road Pharmacy, a long-term care pharmacy and home medical supply company based in Arvada, Colo.
The partnership strengthens MGA’s ability to meet the needs of medically complex patients by offering enhanced pharmacy services, medical supplies and coordinated care solutions.
“This partnership was born by listening to our patients and families,...
Outsourcing eases operational strains
December 18, 2024Tracy Orzel
As the HME industry navigates a more and more complex landscape, companies that provide outsourcing services are emerging as sustainable solutions. By transferring logistical tasks to specialized partners, providers can focus on patient care—a model more suited to the industry's future, these companies say.
Staffing headwinds
The industry is under strain from higher salary expectations, rising living costs, and the significant expense of onboarding and training. Add to...
Eastern MedTech adds contracting executive
December 17, 2024HME News Staff
BOSTON – Eastern MedTech, a provider of continuous glucose monitoring and maternity supplies, has appointed Heather Davis as vice president of national value-based care contracting. “Eastern MedTech believes that value-based care is essential to addressing the health care cost crisis,” said Peter Falkson, CEO/founder at Eastern MedTech. “By aligning incentives between providers and health plans, value-based care models encourage collaboration and innovation to deliver high-quality,...
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...