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• Government Relations: Speak With One Voice The DMEPOS industry must show a unified front, speak with a unified voice, and together be champions of change.
• Clarification on Standard Written Orders Recently the DME MACs released a Dear Physician Letter that clarified language on a standard written order (SWO) specifically related to CPAP masks. While the article was great news being welcomed by the industry, it also initiated additional conversation for other PAP supplies such as interfaces and tubing.
• Ronda Vlog: Further Updates on Refill Requirements and Dear Physician Letter Be sure to watch this update from Ronda Buhrmester, Sr. Director of Payer Relations and Reimbursement, where she gives updates on the change to the refill requirement, effective Jan. 1, 2024 and the Dear Physician letter released in February.
• Change Health Resources VGM recognizes that many of our members in the DMEPOS provider community have been negatively impacted by the cyberattack on Change Healthcare that occurred on February 21, 2024. We continue to monitor the situation and promote the creation of resources to help providers navigate through this with as little negative impact to their business as possible.
• Insights from the 2024 State Leaders Summit The VGM State Leaders Summit concluded in early February at the VGM headquarters in Waterloo, IA. State leaders from home medical equipment (HME) state associations traveled to Waterloo to collaborate on their priorities for 2024 and find ways to enhance their associations.
• Vlog: Ike Isaacson Give an Update on the 75/25 Blended Rate Watch this video update from VGM's Ike Isaacson on the importance of the 75/25 blended rate.
• Welcome to 2024. Let's Talk Root Causes! Kim Cuce explains how to identify the root causes of issues that DMEPOS providers often face.
• Urgent Advocacy Needed: Extend 75/25 Blended Rate Relief As government funding negotiations continue, our 75/25 blended-rate provision is at stake. Let's unite our voices and secure the relief our HME community needs.
• Government Relations: Be Knowledgeable, Be Specific If you have never engaged your legislator, it can feel intimidating, but it doesn't have to be. Effective communication with legislators is easy and essential for any advocacy success. Here are some tips to help you communicate effectively with legislators
• Ronda Vlog: Important Update on CPAP Supplies and Products Listen as Ronda Buhrmester, Sr. Director of Payer Relations and Reimbursement, provides an important update on CPAP products and supplies.
• Government Relations: Stay Engaged There are several “big ticket” topics to track this year and, of course, there will be more that pop up at the federal level, as well as state-by-state challenges and opportunities. Here are some of the key topics and what to expect. Medicare coverage for lymphedema compression treatment items: Starting Jan. 1, 2024, Medicare will pay for lymphedema compression treatment items, like compression garments and bandaging systems.
• VGM Government Announces New Team Member Kim Cuce has joined the VGM Government Relations team as the Director of Business Optimization.
• Ronda Vlog: Register Today for the Upcoming Billing and Reimbursement Roadshows Ronda Buhrmester, Sr. Director of Payer Relations and Reimbursement, gives more information on the upcoming in-person billing and reimbursement roadshows.
• Corporate Transparency Act – Reporting Requirements for Certain Businesses in 2024 Certain U.S. business types, including corporations and LLCs, are now required to submit reports regarding their ownership. Failure to submit these reports can result in both financial penalties and/or prison time. Be sure to read more and find out if this affects you.
• Ike Isaacson Advocates for Important Legislation in Washington D.C. Isaacson spent two days in Washington D.C. advocating for S. 1294 and H.R. 5555.
• Ronda Vlog: Important Update on Refill Documentation Listen as Ronda Buhrmester, Sr. Director of Payer Relations and Reimbursement, gives important updates on refill documentation, effective on Jan. 1, 2024.
• 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 "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
• 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.
• 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.