Tag: Small Business Administration (SBA)
SBA names Sleepnet N.H. Exporter of the Year
April 26, 2023HME News Staff
HAMPTON, N.H. - The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has recognized Sleepnet as the 2023 Exporter of the Year for New Hampshire. This award recognizes the accomplishments of Sleepnet as an exporter of respiratory masks. Sleepnet was nominated by Adam Boltik, International Program Manager for the Office of International Commerce at the New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs. The nomination underscores Sleepnet’s participation in the SBA’s State Trade Expansion...
The Paycheck Protection Program from A to Z
April 13, 2020Matthew Fischer
To aid businesses and their employees during the coronavirus crisis, the Small Business Administration is offering loans, called Paycheck Protection Program loans, up to a specific limit to cover payroll and other costs. The PPP contains a simplified application process (some may disagree) and fewer documentation requirements as opposed to typical loans. The PPP is available through June 30, 2020. If you are considering this program, it is important to determine the details before proceeding with...
In brief: Providers make their case, WHILL merges with Scootaround
August 23, 2019HME News Staff
WASHINGTON - Managed care plans, CRT reimbursement and coverage for breast prosthesis topped the list of concerns HME providers shared at an Aug. 19 Small Business Administration Regulatory Fairness Hearing.
Provider Georgie Blackburn said she's seen a significant impact on small businesses under Pennsylvania's managed care model for Medicaid, according to a bulletin from VGM.
“We have witnessed significant barriers to access for recipients in need for durable medical equipment,”...
HME providers testify at SBA hearing
August 22, 2019HME News Staff
WASHINGTON - Managed care plans, CRT reimbursement and coverage for breast prosthesis topped the list of concerns HME providers shared at an Aug. 19 Small Business Administration Regulatory Fairness Hearing.
Provider Georgie Blackburn said she's seen a significant impact on small businesses under Pennsylvania's managed care model for Medicaid, according to a bulletin from VGM.
“We have witnessed significant barriers to access for recipients in need for durable medical equipment,”...
Providers to SBA: Monitoring clipboards won't curb fraud
September 1, 2017Theresa Flaherty, Managing Editor
WASHINGTON - From accreditation to audits, HME providers let panel members at a Small Business Administration hearing last week know exactly how they feel about burdensome regulations.
For provider Craig Rae, the cost of maintaining accreditation ranks at the top of his list. He estimates one-third of his staff does nothing but scrutinize minutiae to meet the compliance standards set forth in six categories—the first of which has seven sections containing 113 separate standards requiring...
SBA, CMS to attend Heartland session
May 26, 2017HME News Staff
WATERLOO, Iowa - Representatives from CMS and the Small Business Administration will participate in panel discussion at the VGM Heartland Conference in June. The discussion will focus on the future of the competitive bidding program, and provide an opportunity for audience members to ask questions and share feedback on the impacts to their businesses, according to a press release. “Providing platforms to share (provider) concerns and connecting VGM members with resources to navigate the regulatory...
Ombudsman to hold roundtable
May 25, 2016HME News Staff
CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP, Pa. - The Office of the National Ombudsman will host a roundtable here on June 3. The event gives small business owners a chance to speak about regulatory issues, like competitive bidding, that have had a negative impact. A similar roundtable was held in March in Cheyenne, Wyo. The roundtable is free but registration is required and seating is limited.
Providers appeal for help
May 20, 2016Theresa Flaherty, Managing Editor
PORTLAND, Maine - Providers from around New England took to the podium at a Small Business Administration hearing here last week, giving government officials and lawmakers an eye-opening look at what it's like to be in the HME business right now.
“I am here today to tell you that CMS's implementation of competitive bidding, capped rentals on home oxygen therapy and ongoing unnecessary audits…is as bad, if not worse, than what is going on with the Veterans Administration,”...
HOMES members warn SBA panel on bid impact
May 18, 2016HME News Staff
PORTLAND, Maine - Karyn Estrella, executive director of the Home Medical Equipment and Services Association of New England, and several HME providers from across New England testified May 16 at a Small Business Administration regulatory fairness hearing about the impact of competitive bidding and audits on their businesses and Medicare beneficiaries. One example given at the hearing: There is not a single provider in the six-state area that holds a Round 2 re-compete contract for nebulizers. "The...
Provider takes No. 1 SBA spot in Utah
April 20, 2016HME News Staff
SALT LAKE CITY - The Small Business Administration has named provider Jay Broadbent Utah Small Business Person of the Year. Broadbent founded Alpine Home Medical in 1997, with a single employee operating out of a delivery van. Today, it is the largest independent HME provider in Utah with nearly 200 employees. Broadbent, CEO, also heads up the B in Motion Foundation with his wife Kristie to provide wheelchairs and other mobility equipment to users who can't afford it. Broadbent and the winners...