Tag: United Spinal Association
Disability groups launch safe travel campaign
November 4, 2024HME News Staff
NEW YORK – United Spinal Association, the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) are urging Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to build on the landmark $50 million fine on American Airlines and issue a final rule, “Ensuring Safe Accommodations for Air Travelers With Disabilities Using Wheelchairs,” with the strongest possible training requirements. Those requirements...
United Spinal applauds airline fine
October 23, 2024HME News Staff
NEW YORK – United Spinal Association applauds the $50 million fine levied against American Airlines by the U.S. Department of Transportation to addresses the airline’s longstanding mistreatment of passengers who use wheelchairs. “It is very unfortunate that the DOT has to enforce a monumental fine against an iconic air carrier to ensure our basic rights are respected and protected,” said Vincenzo Piscopo, United Spinal President & CEO, who uses a wheelchair. “Money won’t...
In brief: Survey says, Dynamic Infusion buys, United Spinal challenges
July 26, 2024HME News Staff
WASHINGTON – The expired 75/25 Medicare blended reimbursement rates in non-bid, non-rural areas are affecting business operations and the ability to serve patients and communities, according to a national survey from AAHomecare.
The association is still analyzing survey results, but it shared some of the open-ended responses in a recent bulletin:
Reimbursements are so low now that it is hard to keep up with expenses and payroll. We may have to close. Medicare Advantage...
United Spinal relaunches Corporate Challenge
July 25, 2024HME News Staff
NEW YORK – United Spinal Association has relaunched its Corporate Challenge, a program aimed at encouraging companies to seek allyship with the disability community and to support disability inclusion. The relaunch, featuring a new look and new content, coincides with the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Disability Pride Month. “The Corporate Challenge is a call to action to the business community to raise awareness about the importance of disability inclusion,”...
In brief: Philips sues SoClean – again, AAH re-engages lawmakers, Enos re-enters sleep market
May 17, 2024HME News Staff
PITTSBURGH – Philips has sued SoClean in a bid to get the company, whose ozone cleaners it says “attacks” the foam in its CPAP devices, to pay part of its recently announced $1.1 billion settlement.
Philips announced the settlement in April to resolve the personal injury litigation and the medical monitoring class action related to a recall of certain sleep and respiratory devices in the U.S.
“(SoClean’s) negligent and intentionally misleading...
United Spinal, Airbnb look to increase travel accessibility
May 16, 2024HME News Staff
NEW YORK – United Spinal Association is partnering with Airbnb to create an Airbnb Entrepreneurship Academy for people with mobility disabilities to increase hosting opportunities and grow the number of listings with accessibility features. "Airbnb shares our commitment to making worldwide travel accessible for wheelchair users, including identifying lodgings with accessibility features at their destinations," says Vincenzo Piscopo, United Spinal CEO and president. "We are excited...
United Spinal joins peer network
April 11, 2024HME News Staff
NEW YORK – United Spinal Association is included in a new peer-to-peer network dedicated to supporting individuals and their families following traumatic injury. TandemStride’s network offers users a nationwide collection of resources and trained peers with lived experience. “United Spinal is dedicated to helping individuals and their families survive and thrive through traumatic injury,” said Alexandra Bennewith, vice president of government relations for United Spinal. “Our...
DOT proposes strengthening travel safety for wheelchair users
March 5, 2024HME News Staff
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation on Feb. 28 published a notice of proposed rulemaking to strengthen its rule implementing the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) to ensure passengers who use wheelchair can travel safely and with dignity. The proposed rule – “Safe and Accessible Air Travel” – would require that airlines do better in accommodating passengers with disabilities by setting new standards for prompt, safe, and dignified assistance; mandating enhanced...
In brief: Change Healthcare breach, Option Care results, Masimo collaboration
February 23, 2024HME News Staff
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – Change Healthcare, a revenue cycle management company, has experienced a cyberattack, it stated on its website.
“Once we became aware of the outside threat, in the interest of protecting our partners and patients, we took immediate action to disconnect our systems to prevent further impact. At this time, we believe the issue is specific to Change Healthcare and all other systems across UnitedHealth Group are operational.”
UnitedHealth Group...
United Spinal urges recognition of International Wheelchair Day
February 22, 2024HME News Staff
WASHINGTON – United Spinal Association is inviting champions of disability inclusion to share its International Wheelchair Day blog on their social media platforms to highlight International Wheelchair Day, March 1. The blog offers reflections from wheelchair users on the impact of their mobility devices on their independence, freedom, and quality of life. United Spinal advocates for and provides resources to people with SCI/D.