VGM & ASSOCIATESHealthcare MSO
Full Menu Search

Disaster Preparedness: Know The Dollars and Cents of Disaster

Published in Government Relations on December 08, 2022

Emily Harken

This article was originally featured in HME News.

Q. What expenses do most providers incur during a disaster? 

A. Last month, the Emergency Preparedness Committee, along with VGM Government Relations and AAHomecare, surveyed DMEPOS suppliers regarding all the overlooked expenses associated with a disaster.  

The intention of the survey is to illustrate the number of dollars and additional expenses incurred before, during and after a disaster to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, CMS and state/federal emergency groups. Due to unforeseen disasters, suppliers incur increased financial expenses that are not recouped by any insurance and often not reimbursed by federal or state disaster aid.  

The findings from the survey showed that the majority of suppliers report a more than 25% cost increase due to a disaster. 

  • More than 80% report having to make additional deliveries prior to and immediately after a disaster to keep up with patient needs.  
  • More than 60% report an increase in their delivery radius by up to 50 miles to service patients in preparation for and after a disaster and its aftermath. 
  • And almost all report that deliveries take an additional 50% of their time in these times of need.  
  • The survey also showed that most suppliers experienced increased expenses not covered by insurance, including: 
  • Lost, damaged, destroyed equipment (87%) 
  • Time spent researching updates from federal/local governmental agencies (75%) 
  • Time and resources preparing for the disaster (71%) 
  • Communication efforts (64%) 
  • Technology and equipment for remote staff access (64%) 
  • Equipping vehicles/tires for DMEPOS deliveries/pickups (54%) 

Findings from the survey are being compiled and sent to CMS. Our hope is to show CMS there is a significant need for additional reimbursement, as well as regulation leniency, during a disaster. 

We greatly appreciate the suppliers who took the time to complete the survey. 

Do not forget, there are many disaster resources available to you on the committee’s website: https://www.vgm.com/services/government-relations/resource-center/emergency-preparedness-for-home-medical-equipment-suppliers-committee/   

Emily Harken is director of operations for VGM Government Relations. Reach her at emily.harken@vgm.com.

TAGS

  1. dmepos
  2. hme
  3. vgm
  4. vgm government

Get Connected

Stay up-to-date on the latest resources and news provided by VGM & Associates.

Sign Up for Email

From Our Experts

Senate Backs DME Relief Act with Bipartisan Support thumbnail Senate Backs DME Relief Act with Bipartisan Support In a significant development for the durable medical equipment (DME) industry and Medicare beneficiaries, the U.S. Senate has introduced S.2951, the companion legislation to H.R. 2005, known as the DMEPOS Relief Act of 2025. The Senate bill is being led by Senator James Lankford (R-OK) and has gained bipartisan support with Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) joining as a co-sponsor. Gov't Shutdown: What It Means for Providers thumbnail Gov't Shutdown: What It Means for Providers As expected, Democrats and Republican members of the Senate was unable to agree on terms in passing a continuing resolution (CR) ahead of the October 1st deadline, resulting in a government shutdown. But how did we get here? Oppose DMEPOS Bidding Expansion – Take Action Now thumbnail Oppose DMEPOS Bidding Expansion – Take Action Now A critical Congressional Sign-On Letter is now circulating in the House of Representatives, led by Reps. Neal Dunn (R-FL) and Greg Murphy (R-NC). This bipartisan letter calls on CMS to stop the proposed expansion of the durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding Program to include ostomy and urological supplies. Gov't Shutdown & Telehealth Flexibility Expiration thumbnail Gov't Shutdown & Telehealth Flexibility Expiration September 30 represents an important date for HME providers for two reasons: 1) The potential of a government shutdown and how that affects HHS and CMS, and 2) the expiration of Telehealth Flexibilities unless a Continuing Resolution (CR) is agreed upon in time. Josh Turek Visits VGM to Champion Accessibility & Advocacy thumbnail Josh Turek Visits VGM to Champion Accessibility & Advocacy Waterloo, IA — On Monday, VGM Group hosted the first of our “Meet The Candidate” forums by welcoming Iowa State Representative Josh Turek, a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate seat soon to be vacated by Senator Joni Ernst. VGM & NCART Rally in D.C. to Defend CRT & HME Access thumbnail VGM & NCART Rally in D.C. to Defend CRT & HME Access Washington, D.C. – September 2025 — A powerful few days of advocacy wrapped up in the nation's capital as representatives from VGM Group, NCART, AAHomecare, and other key stakeholders in the Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) and Home Medical Equipment (HME) industries met with lawmakers to address urgent policy concerns. Igniting Champions Of Change During August Recess thumbnail Igniting Champions Of Change During August Recess This August recess, DME suppliers across the country seized the opportunity to engage with lawmakers and advocate for critical DMEPOS legislation. Their efforts are helping to build momentum and expand the network of congressional supporters. You Got The Contract! ...Now What?! Part 3: Contract Implementation thumbnail You Got The Contract! ...Now What?! Part 3: Contract Implementation Contract Implementation: Turning Agreements Into Revenue  Securing a contract is worth celebrating—but what happens next is just as critical. Do you have a structured process for implementation, or does the contract sit in your inbox waiting for an issue to arise? A robust implementation workflow is essential to ensure accurate and timely reimbursement and avoid preventable denials.

Give your business an advantage over the competition.

Become a Member