VGM & ASSOCIATESHealthcare MSO
Full Menu Search

KY and TN Suppliers and the DME Community Emergency Response Team Met with CMS, FEMA, and Other Federal Groups Discussing the Tornados in KY and TN

Published in Government Relations on February 11, 2022

DME Community Emergency Response

Yesterday, medical equipment suppliers in Kentucky and Tennessee attended a virtual meeting discussing the tornados that ripped through Kentucky and Tennessee in December. The meeting was assembled by Tangita Daramola, Competitive Acquisition Ombudsman, and the VGM Government Relations team.  

Suppliers from Kentucky and Tennessee were able to voice their concerns regarding needs and difficulties during the December tornados with representatives from FEMA, Office of the Assistant Secretary with Preparedness and Response (ASPR), Small Business Administration (SBA), CGS, and CMS’s Office of Program Operations and Local Engagement (OPOLE). Also attending the meeting was the DME Community Response Team consisting of DME state association leaders, as well as Kim Brummett of AAHomecare and John Gallagher and Emily Harken of VGM. 

Emergency Preparedness Committee Members Includes: Victoria Peterson - TexMEP​, Caitlin Houck - MNCHA​, Larry Dalton - OMEPA​, Beth Bowen - ACMESA/ATHOMES/NEMEP/FAHCS​, Bob Achermann - CAMPS​, Rose Schafhauser - MAMES/SWMESA​, Mike Calcaterra - Big Sky AMES/PAMES, Chris Townsend- FAHCS, Kim Brummett – AAHomecare, John Gallagher and Emily Harken of VGM. The goal of this group is to bring awareness to federal and state emergency management groups of the need for breathing and mobility devices during a natural disaster, as well as to put together a roadmap or toolkit for DME suppliers to follow in these emergency situations. 

Much of the discussion during the meeting included billing and reimbursement concerns during and after a disaster and as well as additional expenses incurred by suppliers. 

This meeting was a great steppingstone for an end goal of improved processes and clear guidance and policies for DME suppliers during an emergency. The DME Community Emergency Response team is looking forward to continuing to educate the federal groups on all the distresses and invaluable services DME suppliers provide during and after a disaster. The groups intent is to make solid changes for suppliers in future disasters and broaden awareness with federal groups. 

Thanks to all who participated in the meeting!

TAGS

  1. state association
  2. 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

The PHE Is Over: What's Next? thumbnail The PHE Is Over: What's Next? In today's episode of Industry Matters, Mandi Joyner, Senior Director of Marketing at VGM & Associates, talks with three of VGM's payer, billing, and reimbursement experts Ronda Buhrmester, Dan Fedor, and Craig Douglas about the end of the Public Health Emergency (PHE) and what that means for members. Adam Miller and Tom Powers Attend Policy Forum in Washington D.C. thumbnail Adam Miller and Tom Powers Attend Policy Forum in Washington D.C. On Wednesday, May 10, the AOPA Policy Forum held in Washington D.C. brought together over 100 stakeholders, manufacturers, and practitioners in the field of orthotics and prosthetics (O&P). John Gallagher and Greg Packer Attend Successful Fly-In on Capitol Hill thumbnail John Gallagher and Greg Packer Attend Successful Fly-In on Capitol Hill On May 10, John Gallagher, VP of VGM Government Relations, and Greg Packer, President of U.S. Rehab, participated in the AAHomecare Fly-In event in Washington D.C. The purpose of their attendance was to discuss key industry issues with members of Congress and their staff. FAHCS Secures Major Victory for HME Industry in Florida thumbnail FAHCS Secures Major Victory for HME Industry in Florida FAHCS secures a significant victory for the HME industry in Florida with a 7.5% rate increase to Medicaid Fee Schedule. Washington Governor Signs SB 5218 to Remove Sales Tax From CRT Equipment thumbnail Washington Governor Signs SB 5218 to Remove Sales Tax From CRT Equipment On May 4 in Olympia, Washington, Governor Jay Inslee signed SB 5218 into effect. This bill exempts complex rehab technology (CRT) equipment from sales tax, making it more accessible and affordable for those in need of it. CMS Proposes New Rules to Strengthen Transparency and Access to Quality Care in Medicaid and CHIP Programs thumbnail CMS Proposes New Rules to Strengthen Transparency and Access to Quality Care in Medicaid and CHIP Programs CMS has released a two new proposed rules that look to strengthen transparency as well as access to quality care within the Medicaid and CHIP programs. One of the proposed rules is titled Ensuring Access to Medicaid Services and the other is Managed Care Access, Finance, and Quality. S. 1294, A Bill to Provide a 75/25 Blended Rate for Non-Rural, Non-CBA Supplier Has Been Introduced thumbnail S. 1294, A Bill to Provide a 75/25 Blended Rate for Non-Rural, Non-CBA Supplier Has Been Introduced S. 1294, a bill to provide a 75/25 blended rate for non-rural, non-CBA suppliers has been introduced. Now we ask that everyone reach out to their senators asking for their support of this crucial bill. Read more about the bill and see an easy way to reach out to your senators. Washington State Passes Bill Exempting Sales Tax on Complex Rehab Technology: A Testimony to the Power of Advocacy and Collaboration thumbnail Washington State Passes Bill Exempting Sales Tax on Complex Rehab Technology: A Testimony to the Power of Advocacy and Collaboration Congratulations to Don Whitney of Inland Medical and the PAMES state association, along with the entire state of Washington, on the recent passing of SB 5218.

Be Part of Something Bigger

Become a Member