Southwest Changes Wheelchair Battery, Size Policies Southwest Airlines has changed its policies for transporting wheelchairs and mobility devices, with new rules going into effect Sept. 25, 2025. Starting on that date, “wheelchairs and devices with a height that exceeds 34 inches (86.36 cm) or a width or depth that exceeds 45 inches (114.2 cm) will…
Briefly: Southwest Changes Wheelchair Rules; Biotechnology Company Wins $5M Parkinson’s Grant
Legislation Introduced as Sept. 30 Telehealth Deadline Looms for Clinicians
Two new bills seek a two-year extension, as advocates work on permanent telehealth coverage.
The Medicare telehealth flexibility granted to physical and occupational therapists since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic is about to expire, again. But newly introduced bills seek a two-year extension. After multiple telehealth extensions throughout the pandemic’s public health emergency (PHE), the current waiver is due to end on Sept. 30, unless Congress takes action.…
AAHomecare Shifts to Second Phase of Campaign to Reshape Competitive Bidding Policy
The association is meeting with key leaders at the Department of Health & Human Services.
The American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare) has begun phase two in its efforts to reshape Medicare competitive bidding policy. With the public comment period for the home health proposed rule now closed, AAHomecare is focusing on next steps, including meetings with key leaders to confront the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) plans to…
United Spinal Launches Community Survey
The new survey asks about members’ experiences and advocacy needs.
United Spinal Association has launched a community survey to inform its advocacy efforts, research, grant applications and new program development. “We’re always striving to improve the programs, resources, and support we offer — and your input makes all the difference,” United Spinal said in a Sept. 4 news announcement of the survey. “Please take a…
AAHomecare Shares Proposed Rule Comments on DMEPOS Competitive Bidding, Accreditation
The public comment period closed Aug. 29.
The American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare) has submitted its comments on Medicare competitive bidding and accreditation recommendations in the calendar year 2026 home health proposed rule. AAHomecare addressed its 45-page list of comments to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Mehmet Oz, M.D., on Aug. 27. Competitive bidding proposals in conflict with executive…
NCART Publishes Position Paper on Adaptive, Protective Beds
The organization’s first-ever position paper defines these beds as medically necessary equipment.
The National Coalition for Assistive & Rehab Technology (NCART) has released a position paper on the appropriate design and use of adaptive and protective beds for people with disabilities. The organization announced its first-ever position paper on Aug. 18 while noting “the use and potential misuse of adaptive/protective beds is an area of concern that…
Free Wheelchair Mission Introduces GEN 4 JOY for Distribution to Developing Countries
The new folding manual wheelchair will be launched in early 2026.
Free Wheelchair Mission has launched the GEN 4 JOY, a folding manual wheelchair with enhanced comfort, durability, accessibility and efficiency for distribution in developing countries. “In addition to improved comfort, enhanced posture support, easier transport and an expanded size range spanning from XS to XXL, the new GEN 4 JOY is designed to be significantly…
AAHomecare Provides New Resources to Support Consumers in Competitive Bidding Fight
Public comments on the proposed home health rule close on Aug. 29.
The American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare) has launched a toolkit of resources to educate the consumers who could be critically impacted by the next iteration of Medicare competitive bidding as defined in the home health proposed rule. The resources created and launched by AAHomecare empower these end users so they can most effectively participate in…
Proposed Rule: CMS Wants Major Changes to DMEPOS Accreditation Process, Accreditation Organizations
The proposed rule recommends annual re-accreditation for suppliers.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has suggested significant changes to its accreditation requirements for durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics and supplies (DMEPOS) suppliers — as well as big changes for the accreditation organizations themselves. CMS listed the changes it wants to see in the home health proposed rule published July 2 in…
AAHomecare: Proposed Rule’s Competitive Bidding Plan an ‘Asteroid’ Heading for DME Industry
CMS is taking public comments on its proposed Medicare competitive bidding process till Aug. 29.
The home health proposed rule’s plans for the resumption of Medicare competitive bidding for durable medical equipment (DME) is an “asteroid” whose impact would be devastating for home medical equipment (HME) providers and the patients they support. Tom Ryan, the CEO/president for the American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare), made that comment during an Aug. 6…