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Impact on DMEPOS Providers: The Biden Administration Announces New Actions to Lessen the Burden of Medical Debt and Increase Consumer Protection

Published in Government Relations on April 19, 2022

The White House is seeking to help lessen Americans' medical debt burden, Vice President Kamala Harris announced Monday, April 11, 2022. In its latest effort to help people deal with increased costs amid skyrocketing inflation, and with emphasis on collection practices by providers and third-party collection agencies, the White House laid out a four-point plan to help protect consumers. Officials from several federal agencies spoke of the problems of medical debt, which plagues about one-third of American adults and is the largest source of debt in collections. Being behind in bills also prompts some people to avoid seeking additional health care and can affect consumers' ability to buy homes or start small businesses. VGM has been contacted by several DMEPOS suppliers with several questions and concerns relative to their ability to waive patient co-payments in conjunction with the White House efforts to ease medical debt. VGM’s vice president of regulatory affairs Mark Higley and vice president of payer relations Craig Douglas presents a summary of the new actions, the potential affect – along with certain perils – to DMEPOS companies concerning the topics covered in this newly released memo, and offers a comprehensive procedural outline to mitigate potential risks with federal, state and private payers. Read More Here!

From Our Experts

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H.R. 5555 Gets Amended and Passes Energy and Commerce Committee On Wednesday, Dec. 6, The House Energy and Commerce Committee approved an amended version of H.R. 5555. The amended version of this bill extends the 75/25 blended rate in non-rural, non-CBAs through 2024 but does not include the 90/10 blended rate adjustment for suppliers in former CBAs.

A Note from the SVP, Mike

A Note from the SVP, Mike "Ike" Isaacson: November 2023 I hope this newsletter finds you healthy, happy, and focused on finishing out a great year! As many of you may have read, I have begun to focus more on our advocacy efforts and ensuring that VGM is here to support you in the legislative and regulatory aspects of your business. I know firsthand that some of you are dialed into the advocacy world, while others may not view these activities as an important part of your business. In our current government climate, I implore you to re-evaluate your a

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H.R. 5555 Gets Approved By Health Subcommittee On Wednesday, Nov. 15, the Health Subcommittee convened the health markup. The DMEPOS Relief Act of 2023 (H.R. 5555) was included in the discussion and approved. H.R. 5555 will now move on to the Energy and Commerce committee for consideration in the next few weeks.

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Important HME Legislation Being Discussed By Health Subcommittee on Wednesday On Wednesday, Nov. 15, the Health Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee is set to meet and discuss important legislation. Included in this session will be H.R. 5555, DMEPOS Relief Act of 2023. This bill, led by Rep. Miller-Meeks (IA) and Rep. Tonko (NY) provides much-needed reimbursement relief. Read the full public memo here.

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Ronda Vlog: CGM News - Update On the 90 Days Billable on January 1, 2024 Be sure to listen to this important video update from Ronda Buhrmester on the upcoming change on how to bill a 90-day supply for CGMs.

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VGM's Ike Isaacson Gets 'Revved Up' WATERLOO, Iowa – A singular focus and a singular voice: That's what it takes to get the HME industry's message across to both lawmakers and regulators, says Mike “Ike” Isaacson, who was recently named senior vice president of government relations at VGM & Associates.

A Summary of the Final Rule on the Lymphedema Treatment Act Recently Released by CMS thumbnail

A Summary of the Final Rule on the Lymphedema Treatment Act Recently Released by CMS Craig Douglas, VP of Payer Relations, VGM and Associates, has reviewed the document and summarized the important information.

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Champions of Change Pushing for 55 in 55 Make Moves in Illinois Champions of Change are making a strong start in the push for 55 in 55 (The goal of 55 in 55 is to schedule 55 visits with legislators and/or their staff in 55 days). Yesterday, a room of nearly 20 people gathered at VGM member, Prism Health Care Services in Schaumburg, IL to discuss S. 1294, current DME rates impacted by supply chain, delivery costs, employee costs, inflation, and so much more.

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