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…
AAHomecare, VGM Seek Grassroots Accountability Project Volunteers
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…
Medicare Changes to 5-Year PMD Prior Authorization Rule: Inside the Clinician Task Force Response to CMS
CTF Executive Director Tamara Kittelson said clinical assessments directly impact wheelchair provision outcomes.
Are you exactly the same person today — physically, cognitively, task wise — as you were five years ago? That’s the basic and critical question behind the Clinician Task Force’s (CTF) recent letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) concerning CMS’s recent change to the Medicare five-year replacement rule for prior authorization…
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…
Briefly: RFK Jr. Sworn in as HHS Secretary; DAV Hiring Guide Offers Best Practices
Featuring the Department of Health & Human Services and Disabled American Veterans.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Sworn in as HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been sworn in as the 26th secretary of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS). Kennedy was sworn on Feb. 13, following Senate confirmation along party lines. As NPR reported, Democrats opposed Kennedy’s “conspiracy theories” linking vaccines to autism…
Editor’s Note: Join Us for the ‘CRT Defines Innovation’ Webinar
Stan Arledge, Tamara Kittelson, and Julie Piriano are the panelists for the Feb. 25 presentation.
I’m thrilled to invite you to our (free) Mobility Management editorial webinar, starting at 12 noon Eastern time on Tues., Feb. 25. Our topic: CRT Defines Innovation. And I’ll be welcoming three long-time industry friends: — Tamara Kittelson, MS, OTR/L, ATP/SMS, executive director of the Clinician Task Force. — Julie Piriano, PT, ATP/SMS, senior director,…
DOT Final Rule: Airlines Required to ‘Meet More Rigorous Standards’ for Passengers with Disabilities
Starting in January, airlines will have additional standards for handling wheelchairs and supporting passengers.
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has released a new final rule that includes “new protections for people with disabilities in commercial air travel that will ensure that they can fly safely and with dignity.” A Dec. 16 DOT announcement from DOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg added that the new, “more rigorous standards” applied “especially for…
Briefly: Alexis Ward Leaves AAHomecare; Motion Concepts Has a New Canadian Address
Featuring the American Association for Homecare and Motion Concepts.
Alexis Ward Departs from AAHomecare Longtime Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) advocate and policy expert Alexis Ward has announced she’s departing the American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare). Ward had served as AAHomecare’s senior director of payer relations. In a Dec. 18 email to colleagues, Ward said, “It has been an honor and privilege to work alongside…
University of Pittsburgh Survey to Identify Attributes of New CRT Coverage Policy
The questionnaire seeks input from a wide range of stakeholders.
An ongoing survey from the University of Pittsburgh and other investigators is asking for stakeholder opinions on the attributes of a new coverage policy for Complex Rehab Technology (CRT). Project investigators — led by co-investigators Mark Schmeler, Ph.D., OTR/L, and Brad Dicianno, M.D. —are seeking “broad feedback” from everyone involved in or impacted by CRT…