Skip to main content

VGM & ASSOCIATESHealthcare MSO

Search GO

Search GO

VGM & ASSOCIATESHealthcare MSO LEARN ABOUT VGM

Disaster Preparedness: Speak Up About Expense

Published in Government Relations on November 10, 2022

This article was originally featured in HME News

Q. Are there any efforts to improve processes during a disaster?

A. Recently, the Emergency Preparedness for HME Suppliers Committee, along with VGM and AAHomecare, has been encouraging DMEPOS suppliers to take a survey with questions regarding all the unthought-of expenses associated with a disaster. The committee has been working to illustrate to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, CMS and state/federal emergency groups the lost dollars and additional expenses incurred before, during and after a disaster. DMEPOS suppliers incur increased financial expenses that are not recouped by any insurance and often not recouped by federal or state disaster aid. Participation from DMEPOS suppliers with these surveys is so important.

The main focuses of the committee have been improved resources and guidance when a disaster strikes. Additionally, our goal is for improved reimbursement and leniency on guidelines for DMEPOS suppliers when a disaster strikes. It’s vital that insurances like CMS understand the increased financial burden that suppliers face in response to taking care of beneficiaries at home with life sustaining medical equipment.

The committee is currently reviewing and organizing the data from the survey, with a plan to make recommendations to CMS on reimbursement solutions to account for these extra unexpected expenses. Additionally, responses will be summarized and sent to CMS. We look forward to sharing the report with everyone once completed. Stay tuned for these updates.

Do not forget, there are many disaster resources available to you on the committee’s website!

TAGS

From Our Experts

Senate Introduces Companion Bill to H.R. 2005: The DME Relief Act Gains Bipartisan Momentum thumbnail

Senate Introduces Companion Bill to H.R. 2005: The DME Relief Act Gains Bipartisan Momentum 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.

The Government Has Shut Down... How Did We Get Here and What Does it Mean for Providers? thumbnail

The Government Has Shut Down... How Did We Get Here and What Does it Mean 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?

Take Action Today: Urge Congress To Oppose DMEPOS Bidding Expansion! thumbnail

Take Action Today: Urge Congress To Oppose DMEPOS Bidding Expansion! 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.

Potential Government Shutdown and Telehealth Flexibilities Set to Expire thumbnail

Potential Government Shutdown and Telehealth Flexibilities Set to Expire 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.

Meet The Candidates: Senate Hopeful Josh Turek Visits VGM Group To Champion Accessibility & Advocacy thumbnail

Meet The Candidates: Senate Hopeful Josh Turek Visits VGM Group 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.

Advocacy In Action: VGM Group, NCART, & Industry Leaders Rally In D.C. To Defend CRT & HME Access thumbnail

Advocacy In Action: VGM Group, NCART, & Industry Leaders 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