Telehealth proved its efficacy during the heart of the COVID-19 public health emergency, when hospitals and clinics sharply limited in-person appointments, but wheelchairs and seating provision for Medicare beneficiaries still needed to move forward. The telehealth option isn’t the answer in every situation: It’s not a good fit where internet connections are unreliable or when…
Telehealth Update: Industry Organizations Comment on Latest Extension, 2025 Wins
ISWP Seeks to Raise $250K for Wheelchair Impact Fund
The International Society of Wheelchair Professionals supports wheelchair professional education worldwide.
As 2025 winds down, the International Society of Wheelchair Professionals (ISWP) is seeking donations to its Wheelchair Impact Fund, which supports wheelchair provision worldwide. “Appropriate wheelchair provision requires inclusive policies, access to a range of appropriate products, trained providers, comprehensive procurement systems, and real participation from wheelchair users,” ISWP Executive Director Alex Kamadu said in…
Briefly: CMS Announces Medicare Part B Premium, Deductible; New Mobility Seeks a Print Return
Featuring the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and United Spinal Association.
CMS Announces Medicare Part B Premium, Deductible Increases for 2026 The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced that the standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B enrollees will be $202.90 in 2026. The annual deductible for all Medicare Part B beneficiaries will be $283. That’s an increase of $17.90 for the monthly…
AAHomecare, VGM Seek Grassroots Accountability Project Volunteers
GAP advocates will bring industry issues to their specific members of Congress.
The American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare) and VGM & Associates are partnering on the Grassroots Accountability Project (GAP) — and as the project’s name suggests, they are seeking advocacy volunteers. In a Nov. 19 bulletin, AAHomecare described GAP as “an initiative focused on strengthening the HME [home medical equipment] industry’s presence on Capitol Hill. We…
Adaptive Outdoor Education Center Joins United Spinal as New Chapter
The association’s latest addition has campuses in Maine.
Adaptive Outdoor Education Center (AOEC), based in Carrabassett Valley, Maine, has become United Spinal Association’s latest chapter. In a Nov. 14 announcement, United Spinal said, “There are few things as empowering as learning how to navigate the outdoors as a wheelchair user. After you’ve figured out how to slide down a snowy mountain, traverse a…
AAHomecare: Keep Advocating During Final Rule Watch
The home health final rule, which could include monumental changes to Medicare competitive bidding and accreditation, could come at any time.
As the home medical equipment (HME) industry continues to await the home health final rule that could include significant changes to Medicare competitive bidding and accreditation processes, the American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare) is urging stakeholders to keep speaking up. The final rule had been expected as early as Oct. 31. But in a Nov.…
AAHomecare Launches Advocacy Tools for Home Care Month
November focuses on home care, palliative and hospice care, and caregivers.
The American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare) has introduced multimedia tools to help advocate for the power of home care during November. AAHomecare’s assets for the month include infographics with statistics about the benefits of home-based care; social media posts and images, and video testimonials from consumers who use home medical equipment (HME), including Complex Rehab…
Briefly: UC Berkeley Study Names Most Inclusive Countries; Novartis to Acquire Biotech Company Known for MD Treatments
Featuring University of California, Berkeley; Novartis, and Avidity Biosciences.
New Zealand, Hawaii Lauded for Inclusive Cultures New Zealand has been named the most inclusive country in the world for the fourth straight year in a study by the Othering & Belonging Institute’s annual Inclusiveness Index. The institute, based at University of California, Berkeley, said the index “ranks countries and U.S. states by their levels…
United Spinal Urges Support for Letter Opposing Including Urological, Ostomy, Tracheostomy Supplies in NCB
The letter, addressed to CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz, M.D., is targeting Republican members of Congress.
United Spinal Association is urging stakeholders to ask their members of Congress to sign onto a new letter that opposes the inclusion of urological, ostomy and tracheostomy supplies in Medicare’s proposed competitive bidding program. The letter, led by Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa) and Rep. Dan Meuser (R-Pa.) and addressed to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid…
AAHomecare: ‘Strong Industry Response’ Needed for Commerce Department Investigation
The public comment period closes Oct. 17.
The American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare) is urging all home medical equipment (HME) stakeholders to strongly respond to the Department of Commerce’s Section 232 national security investigation into imported medical equipment, devices and consumables. “The department is seeking comments from stakeholders on multiple topics,” AAHomecare said in an Oct. 8 bulletin, “including these, for medical…