Competitive Bidding


Industry Dives into August Advocacy Push

Congressional recess gives HME stakeholders a prime opportunity to discuss changes to CMS’s proposed ESRD rule, as well as broader bidding reforms.

Letter from W.Va. Lawmakers to CMS Details Access Problems

Providers work with Congressional Representatives from state to emphasize to Administrator Verma that patients are encountering access issues.

AAHomecare Crafting Reply to ESRD/DMEPOS Proposed Rule

Association calling on providers to submit comments; says documenting negative impacts will help shape final rule.

VGM Video Explains ESRD Rule

Organization’s Higley and Brecher untangles details of CMS’s proposed changes for competitive bidding.

AAHomecare: ESRD Rule Needs Work

Association president outlines where CMS’s proposed changes to bidding help HME and where they fall short.

CMS Proposes Several Competitive Bidding Changes

The changes include a new ‘lead item’ rule, and a new method for setting single payment amounts, as well as rural relief and oxygen reimbursement changes.

VGM Revs up for ‘August of Action’

VGM helps members prepare for August advocacy effort that will concentrate on several regulatory and policy objectives.

Heartland Speakers: Providers Must Comment on IFR

In addition to limited rural relief, the IFR provides a platform for public comments, which industry advocates are calling on providers to post by July 9 in order to help shape bidding policy.

H.R. 4229 Tops 150 Backers

As more lawmakers sign-on, industry continues lobbying push being legislation that would provide stronger rural relief than recent IFR.

Observation Deck

CMS’s IFR Fake-Out

Like Lucy from Peanuts, regulators have pulled the football out from under the HME industry — and that means Congress must act.



CMS Releases Rural Relief Adjustments

Agency adjusts reimbursement as mandated by the recently released IFR. New rates run June 1 through Dec. 31.

AAHomecare Offers IFR Analysis

Despite the short duration and limited reach of relief, association says the IFR sets the stage for broader efforts.

IFR Increases Rural Rates for 7 Months

Blended, 50/50 rate schedule for rural and limited non-bid areas resumes, running June 1 through Dec. 31.

PFQC Calls on Industry to Double Down on Advocacy

Consumer group urges providers to support AAHomecare’s May 23-34 Washington Legislative Conference.

Industry Preps for Washington Legislative Conference

In addition to facilitating meetings with key legislative staff, May 23-24 event includes key education speakers and keynote from CMS.

Advocates Keep Working to Contain CURES Medicaid Cuts

Various stakeholders continue coordinating with state Medicaid programs to ensure they maintain sustainable funding.

Observation Deck

9 Ways to Thrive in Tough Times

There are proven ways HME businesses can rise above any barriers.

AAHomecare Urges Continued H.R. 4229 Advocacy

Bill remains an essential element in the strategy to obtain relief for rural providers and patients; association calls on providers to lobby lawmakers.

VIDEO: OMB Director Working to Release IFR

At a House Appropriations hearing, OMB Director Mulvaney confirms his Agency is working to release the rural relief IFR; says ‘I have probably received more calls about this than any other rule.’

Industry Debates Merit of a Single Word

While H.R. 4229 language fails to make budget bill, lawmakers ‘encourage’ CMS to adopt rural relief IFR. The question is, what does that word actually mean?

HME Business Podcast