Newly released information from the Department of Health & Human Services’ (HHS) 2026 includes plans to restart the Medicare competitive bidding program for durable medical equipment, the American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare) said in a June 3 bulletin. AAHomecare said the information was included in the HHS Budget in Brief document that discusses the department’s…
AAHomecare: HHS 2026 Plans Include Resuming Medicare Competitive Bidding Program
Commentary: Dr. Oz Wants Prevention? He Should Embrace CRT
Complex Rehab Technology could be a cost-effective investment for the new CMS administrator.
After his first week as the new administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Mehmet Oz, M.D., shared four goals that embody the “Make America Healthy Again” mandate of President Donald Trump. Here’s #4: “Shifting the paradigm for health care from a system that focuses on sick care to one that fosters…
CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz Spells Out Medicare, Medicaid Priorities
Oz has been tasked with fulfilling the Trump administration’s “Make America Healthy Again” agenda.
After his first week as the new administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Mehmet Oz, M.D., has listed his priorities for the Department of Health & Human Services’ largest agency. In an April 10 press release, Oz referenced President Donald Trump’s mandate to “Make America Healthy Again.” “Great societies protect their…
Poll: Medicare, Medicaid Remain Hugely Popular as Trump Administration Takes Over
A large majority of respondents believe health care will become less affordable in the next few years.
Results of a new poll conducted by KFF (formerly the Kaiser Family Foundation) show that a large majority of Americans have favorable views of Medicare and Medicaid, regardless of political party affiliation. While President Donald Trump’s incoming administration and a new Congress have discussed slashing Medicaid funding —reporting this month from Politico mentioned potentially $2.3…
Commentary: CRT As Prevention? What a Concept!
A new report published by VGM & Associates suggests Medicare competitive bidding has run its course.
A new report, authored by Brian Leitten of Leitten Consulting and published by VGM & Associates, contends that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has taken the wrong perspective of durable medical equipment (DME) for at least for the last two decades. The 2003 Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act gave rise…
‘Dear Colleague’ House Letter Urges CMS to Open Coverage Determination for Power Standing
The deadline for representatives to sign onto the letter is Sept. 27.
Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) and Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.) have penned another “Dear Colleague” letter asking the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to open a coverage determination for power standing on power wheelchairs. “Please contact your U.S. representative today and urge them to sign on to the Dingell/Fitzpatrick Congressional sign-on letter urging CMS…
AAHomecare Survey Asks How Medicare Cuts Are Impacting Beneficiary Access
The Medicare 75/25 blended relief rate for non-bid/non-rural areas ended Jan. 1.
A new survey from the American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare) is asking home medical equipment (HME) suppliers how Medicare funding cuts are affecting their businesses and impacting beneficiary access to medically necessary equipment. In a July 8 news announcement, AAHomecare announced a national survey “on the impact of the expired Medicare fee-for-service 75/25 blended rate…
Briefly: Medtrade Announces Attendance; Medicare Seat Elevation Coverage Now in Effect
Featuring Medtrade, NCART, and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Medtrade Reports Robust Growth in Dallas Attendance at Medtrade, held March 26-28 at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, grew by double digits, event officials said in a March 28 news announcement. “This year’s Medtrade attracted more than 2,300 qualified attendees,” Kerry Tyler, Medtrade’s associate show director, said. “That’s an increase of almost…
Briefly: VGM Presents an Award; CGS Releases Winter Supplier Manuals
Featuring The VGM Group and CGS Administrators.
VGM Presents 2023 HME Woman of the Year Award The VGM Group has named Dana McLaughlin its 2023 HME Woman of the Year. McLaughlin, the President of Medical Service Company, has 28 years of financial and operational leadership experience in the home healthcare industry. “I am truly honored to receive the 2023 HME Woman of…
Commentary: Seniors at a DISAdvantage Over MA Plans’ Marketing
Medicare Advantage plans' outreach seems confusing by design.
On a typical work day, I receive several robocalls from Medicare Advantage (MA) plans wanting to ask “a few simple questions” to see if I qualify. I usually just hang up, but recently I was particularly cranky about being interrupted. So I told the robo-voice I did not have Medicare Part A or B, which…