FAHCS Secures Major Victory for HME Industry in Florida

Published in Government Relations on May 10, 2023

Congratulations to FAHCS! Thanks to the tireless efforts of FAHCS and the many Florida-based providers who carry their mission forward, along with support from various other industry stakeholders including AAHomecare, VGM, and The Griffin Group, the Legislative Committee successfully secured a major victory for the HME industry in Florida. Effective July 1, the approved budget will introduce a 7.5% rate increase to the Medicaid Fee Schedule, with proviso language dictating that providers receive the increase. Moving forward, FAHCS will collaborate with Department leadership to ensure smooth execution of the increase. 

This accomplishment is the result of extensive advocacy and meetings in Tallahassee that began last Fall. However, it's worth noting that FAHCS has spent years building relationships with the Legislature, the Department, and its staff. The pandemic highlighted the critical role of HME in the healthcare continuum, and our industry gained many supporters as a result. Special thanks go to Senator Gayle Harrell, Representative Sam Garrison, and American Health Care Association for their invaluable support. With the rising costs of goods and labor, the FAHCS Board of Directors and Legislative Committee have reason to celebrate this win for providers and their patients in Florida. 

"As a board member of FAHCS, I want to express my gratitude to VGM, Laura Williard with AAHomecare, and other groups whose unwavering efforts made this rate increase possible,” said Gerry Finazzo, Regional Account Manager, VGM & Associates. “I personally made a few trips to Tallahassee, but I recognize that this achievement would not have been possible without the tireless work of our Legislative Committee. This victory is a positive step forward for the HME industry in Florida." 

“This is a great example of providers identifying a need and taking the initiative to tell their story collectively using the strength of their state association,” said Craig Douglas, VP of Payer and Member Relations, VGM Government Relations. “The positive changes achieved here rarely, if ever, happen on their own. When market changes happen and the need for change arises, we must be ready and willing to ask for the change that is needed, and to justify why the change is necessary. That is exactly what happened in Florida recently, and now the providers in Florida will be better positioned to continue to provide the products and services that patients need in their homes.” 

From Our Experts

NAAOP Hosts First Ever In-Person Legislative Fly-In thumbnail NAAOP Hosts First Ever In-Person Legislative Fly-In Last week, 33 stakeholders, advocates, and leaders from around the O&P industry convened at the offices of Powers Pyles Sutter & Verville PC in Washington, D.C., as part of The National Association for the Advancement of Orthotics and Prosthetics's (NAAOP) first ever in-person legislative fly-in. Co-sponsored by OPGA, the fly-in kicked off with an in-depth discussion and strategy session surrounding several legislative priorities affecting O&P providers and patients. VGM Government Relations Unveils Grassroots Advocacy Toolkit to Empower DME Champions of Change thumbnail VGM Government Relations Unveils Grassroots Advocacy Toolkit to Empower DME Champions of Change The VGM Government Relations team is proud to announce the launch of its Grassroots Advocacy Toolkit, thoughtfully crafted to support durable medical equipment (DME) professionals, caregivers, industry partners, and patient advocates in advancing legislative initiatives that impact home medical equipment and services. Featuring Two Champions Of Change: Robert Beard of YD Home Medical & Rob Minicucci Jr. of Health System Services thumbnail Featuring Two Champions Of Change: Robert Beard of YD Home Medical & Rob Minicucci Jr. of Health System Services Today, we're proud to spotlight two outstanding durable medical equipment (DME) champions whose advocacy efforts are making a meaningful difference: Robert Beard of YD Home Medical of Alabama and Rob Minicucci Jr. of Health System Services of New York. These individuals took time out of their busy schedules to personally connect with elected officials, demonstrating how local action can spark national change. Survey: Share Your Thoughts on Proposed Accreditation Rule Changes thumbnail Survey: Share Your Thoughts on Proposed Accreditation Rule Changes CQRC, VGM, and AAHomecare are requesting your feedback on a new proposed rule that could significantly impact accreditation procedures. Under the proposal, accreditation organizations would be required to conduct site visits every year—a major shift from the current once-every-three-years schedule. WEBINAR: Navigating New CMS Guidelines: Unlocking Opportunities in NIPPV and RAD Coverage for COPD Care thumbnail WEBINAR: Navigating New CMS Guidelines: Unlocking Opportunities in NIPPV and RAD Coverage for COPD Care The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has revised the NCD for Noninvasive Positive Pressure Ventilation (NIPPV) in the home setting for treating Chronic Respiratory Failure (CRF) due to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The changes aim to establish clear coverage policies for devices such as Respiratory Assist Devices (RADs) and home mechanical ventilators (HMVs), potentially expanding access to these critical therapies for eligible patients. Adapting to new CMS guidelin Bipartisan Medicare O&P Bill Introduced thumbnail Bipartisan Medicare O&P Bill Introduced In a timely move ahead of next week's NAAOP Legislative Fly-In, a bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced the Medicare Orthotics and Prosthetics Patient-Centered Care Act, a bill aimed at improving access to high-quality orthotic and prosthetic care for Medicare beneficiaries. The Patient-Centered Care Act seeks to address critical gaps in Medicare coverage for orthotic and prosthetic (O&P) services. Under current rules, beneficiaries may receive devices without the necessary clinical services Proposed Rule Suggests Significant Change To Accreditation Process thumbnail Proposed Rule Suggests Significant Change To Accreditation Process The recently released proposed rule CMS-1828-P contains a significant change that could reshape how suppliers navigate accreditation. The rule proposes a major change that would require suppliers to be surveyed and reaccredited annually instead of the current three (3) year cadence. This proposal raises substantial questions about both operational feasibility and cost implications. August Of Action: Your Chance To Connect With Congress thumbnail August Of Action: Your Chance To Connect With Congress It's time to take advantage of August Of Action—a perfect opportunity to make your voice heard. Every summer, federal legislators return to their home states during the Congressional recess. While it gives them a break from Washington D.C., it's primarily a time for them to connect with constituents like you.