The new Medicare fee schedule for durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics and supplies (DMEPOS) has been released by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The fee schedule is effective Jan. 1, 2026. CMS announced the Consumer Price Index Urban (CPI-U) percentage increase as 2.7%. But in a Dec. 22 bulletin, the American Association…
CMS Releases 2026 Medicare Fee Schedule Changes
BOC Responds to Removal from Medicare DMEPOS Accrediting Organization List
The Board of Certification/Accreditation has filed a lawsuit in Maryland.
The Board of Certification/Accreditation (BOC) has responded after it was removed as an accrediting organization for suppliers of durable medical equipment, prosthetic, orthotics and supplies (DMEPOS). “BOC no longer has the authority to survey suppliers for compliance with the DMEPOS quality standards or perform any other functions of a CMS-approved DMEPOS accreditation organization for the…
Final Rule Follow-Up: ‘Legacy’ Product Categories Out of Competitive Bidding’s Next Round
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ fact sheet has been updated.
The product categories for the next round of Medicare competitive bidding will look very different from what industry veterans are accustomed to seeing. According to a Dec. 9 bulletin from the American Association of Homecare (AAHomecare), “legacy product categories,” including oxygen, standard wheelchairs, CPAP systems, hospital beds “and others included in previous bidding rounds will…
Telehealth Update: Industry Organizations Comment on Latest Extension, 2025 Wins
While the latest continuing resolution provided another extension, a permanent telehealth option remains elusive.
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…
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…
Updated Urological Supplies LCD Includes SCI Revision
The change impacts eligibility for sterile catheter kits.
The updated urological supplies local coverage determination (LCD) published by the Medicare DME MAC contractors includes a significant change for patients with spinal cord injuries (SCI). The LCD was published Nov. 13, with an effective date of Jan. 1, 2026. “The LCD incorporates finalized revisions, as a result of the LCD reconsideration process and written…
CMS PMD Policy Article Revisions Include Power-Assist Changes
The changes update descriptions for power assist and power add-ons.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has updated its policy article for power mobility devices (PMDs) — and the latest article contains updates to power-assist definitions and descriptions. The effective revision date for the changes is Oct. 1, 2025. A power-assist system, HCPCS coded E0986, is described as “An electrically powered option that…
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.…
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…