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

CRT Bill H.R. 1703 Advances Through Full Energy & Commerce Committee thumbnail CRT Bill H.R. 1703 Advances Through Full Energy & Commerce Committee Earlier this week, we shared that H.R. 1703 advanced through the House Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee. We are pleased to report that the bill has continued to gain momentum and has now successfully passed out of the full Energy & Commerce Committee unanimously following today's markup. Important Update: Prior Auth Exemption Process – Deadline Extended to May 26, 2026 thumbnail Important Update: Prior Auth Exemption Process – Deadline Extended to May 26, 2026 CMS has just announced that the deadline to opt out of the prior authorization exemption and continue submitting prior authorization requests has been extended to Tuesday, May 26. This extension only applies to suppliers that received a letter from the DME MACs in early March regarding their prior authorization exemption status. CRT Bill H.R. 1703 Advances Through Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee thumbnail CRT Bill H.R. 1703 Advances Through Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee As announced during the NCART and AAHomecare Legislative Conference last week, H.R. 1703, the Choices for Increased Mobility Act, was considered and advanced out of the House Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee. This is a positive step forward for the CRT community. VGM Government Relations Team Advocates for DME in Washington, D.C. thumbnail VGM Government Relations Team Advocates for DME in Washington, D.C. VGM Government Relations team members joined industry leaders in Washington, D.C., this week for a series of impactful advocacy events, including the 2026 AAHomecare Legislative Conference, NCART Legislative Conference, and the AAHomecare Payer Relations Council meeting. BREAKING NEWS: Big Win For DME Industry in North Carolina thumbnail BREAKING NEWS: Big Win For DME Industry in North Carolina Congratulations to ACMESA on the passage of a Medicaid funding bill, which provides important stability for DMEPOS providers and the patients they serve. Invite Your Federal Legislator to the CRT Product Expo in Washington, D.C. thumbnail Invite Your Federal Legislator to the CRT Product Expo in Washington, D.C. During the upcoming NCART/iNRRTS U.S. Rehab Legislative Conference, NCART and U.S. Rehab will host a Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) Product Expo on May 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in Washington, D.C. This Expo is a valuable opportunity for members of Congress and their staff to see firsthand how CRT products impact independence, mobility, and quality of life for individuals with disabilities. Network Bidding Opens New Path for Small DMEPOS Suppliers thumbnail Network Bidding Opens New Path for Small DMEPOS Suppliers CMS released a new FAQ clarifying that small DMEPOS suppliers may form networks to collectively meet licensure, accreditation, and enrollment requirements for the next round of the Competitive Bidding Program. This guidance creates a new pathway for small suppliers to compete, with additional education and networking support available through VGM initiatives. VGM Group Highlights Value of DMEPOS Industry and Commends Efforts to Protect Patients and Communities thumbnail VGM Group Highlights Value of DMEPOS Industry and Commends Efforts to Protect Patients and Communities VGM Group continues to underscore the effectiveness and efficiency of the Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) industry and its critical role across the healthcare continuum. The services and support provided by DMEPOS suppliers not only enhance patient outcomes and strengthen community health, but do so in a cost-effective manner that delivers meaningful savings to the healthcare system.

Give your business an advantage over the competition.

Become a Member