Noridian Healthcare Solutions (Jurisdictions A and D DME MAC) and CGS Administrators (Jurisdictions B and C DME MAC) are hosting a virtual public meeting on Wednesday, March 25, starting at 10 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss proposed local coverage determinations (LCDs) for power mobility devices — specifically, Group 2 power wheelchairs (HCPCS coded K0830/K0831) with…
Briefly: Getting Ready for the March 25 LCDs Meeting
DME MACs Announce Meeting on Proposed LCDs for Seat Elevation Coverage on Group 2 Power Chairs
The March 25 virtual meeting will provide time for public comments.
Nearly three years after the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) affirmed Medicare coverage for power seat elevation on power wheelchairs, the Medicare DME MACs — Noridian Healthcare Solutions (Jurisdictions A and D) and CGS Administrators (Jurisdictions B and C) — have announced a March 25 meeting to discuss proposed local coverage determinations (LCDs)…
Telehealth Flexibilities Extended for OTs, PTs, Through December 2027
The latest appropriations bill gives advocates nearly two years to create a permanent fix.
The latest federal appropriations bill included language that extends telehealth flexibilities for occupational (OT) and physical therapists (PT), as well as for speech-language pathologists and audiologists, through Dec. 31, 2027. The Consolidated Appropriations Act 2026 (H.R. 7148), signed by President Donald Trump on Feb. 3, finally gives clinicians some breathing room, after earlier continuing resolutions…
AAHomecare Seeks Co-Signers for Letter to Exclude Urological Supplies from Competitive Bidding
The letter is expected to accept additional supporters till Feb. 20.
The American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare) is urging stakeholders to support a Congressional sign-on letter seeking to exclude urological, ostomy and tracheostomy supplies from Medicare’s competitive bidding program — or at least to delay these supplies’ inclusion. In a Feb. 9 email to the industry, AAHomecare said this effort is being led by Rep. Chris…
CMS Releases 2026 Medicare Fee Schedule Changes
Competitive bidding rounds impact the actual increases for product categories.
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…
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…