State Association Spotlight: CAMPS

Published in Government Relations on February 24, 2021

Our HME State Associations do so much to advocate and improve the HME industry. We are excited to feature one of our dedicated state associations in this spotlight! We recently chatted with Bob Achermann and Terry Racciato about California Association of Medical Product Suppliers (CAMPS). Read their spotlight below!
CAMPS and Paul OndrusekTell us about some success stories for California HME providers and how CAMPS was able to drive these successes!
CAMPS has focused on addressing inadequate Medi-Cal rates for DME and medical supplies. In 2019, we were successful in getting our Medi-Cal program to follow the Medicare rural rates vs. non-rural rates. In 2020, we advocated for Medi-Cal to increase rates for respiratory equipment and supplies seeking to eliminate the 10% rate cut after using 80% of the Medicare rural rate for most DME. Just recently, DHCS submitted a pandemic SPA waiver to use 100% of Medicare rates and eliminate the 10% cut. These rates will now apply through the end of the PHE and will be retroactive to March of 2020.
What makes the CAMPS board a good team?
The Board is made up of a cross-section of providers including DME, CRT, and other supplies. That allows for representation of the broad spectrum of providers and the inherent expertise.
What connections have been most helpful with CAMPS successes?
CAMPS has worked with DHCS on Medi-Cal policy and reimbursement for decades. We also work collaboratively with state regulators of HME companies as Home Medical Device Retailers and the Respiratory Care Board. 
What are you working on in 2021 and what goals to you have?
Though we are very pleased with the short term relief for respiratory equipment and supplies, we will work to make those changes permanent. We will also work on CRT issues to improve claims processing/payment and evaluation services. Medi-Cal Rx is also beginning  this year that will move pharmacy and enteral services into Fee for Service payment.
Any strategies for success you would like to share
Collaborate and inform. Persistence is necessary, and the issues are challenging.
Any pitfalls to avoid?
Healthcare is complex, and we are a small part of the budget. There is competition within the system for declining dollars and evolution to alternatives to FFS payment. Get a seat at the table and provide meaningful data.
How do you rally the troops in time of need?
We communicate via eblasts and social media. We have held multiple webinars often with the support and participation of VGM to communicate the issues and rally at a grassroots level.
CAMPS logo

TAGS

  1. state association
  2. vgm government

From Our Experts

Evaluating the Value of a Payer Contract thumbnail Evaluating the Value of a Payer Contract In our last article, Key Payers Denied Your Application Citing Their Network Is Closed – Now What?, we discussed strategies for addressing payer contracting denials due to a closed network. As indicated, this process can be an extremely time-consuming exercise with no guarantees and mixed results. Below are a few things to consider as you evaluate whether a contract is worth the extra effort. Webinar: Webinar: "Navigating The New CMS Landscape: RADs, HMVs, and Supplier Survival" on June 25 at 1 p.m. CT. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released its final National Coverage Determination (NCD) for RADs and HMVs used in treating chronic respiratory failure due to COPD. While the rule potentially expands access to bilevel ST therapy (RADs), it also introduces complex compliance requirements, tighter usage criteria, and increased documentation burdens—without additional reimbursement. The Return of Competitive Bidding thumbnail The Return of Competitive Bidding The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) appear to be laying the groundwork for another round of the Competitive Bidding Program (CBP). While full implementation will take a couple of years, an official announcement is expected this summer—potentially as early as July. Out With The Old RAC, In With The New thumbnail Out With The Old RAC, In With The New On April 28, 2025, CMS awarded Cotiviti GOV Services LLC, the new RAC Recovery Audit Contractor (RAC) Region 3, 4, and 5 contracts. RAC Region 3 includes the following Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) jurisdictions: JJ, JM, and JN. RAC Region 4 includes jurisdictions: JE, JF, and JL. And RAC Region 5 includes jurisdictions: JA, JB, JC, JD, as well as the HH/H MACs: J6, J15, JK, and JM. Iowa Leads the Charge! All Four Representatives Back H.R. 2005—Will Your State Step Up? thumbnail Iowa Leads the Charge! All Four Representatives Back H.R. 2005—Will Your State Step Up? At VGM Group, Inc. we have the pleasure of serving our members and partners throughout the country.  One of the many ways we do this is through legislative advocacy, working with our partners to create a more equitable and effective healthcare system. All our VGM units are dedicated to advancing our partners' businesses, streamlining operations, and working every day to enhance reimbursement for the quality in-home healthcare our industry provides all people. Mike Hamilton Of ADMEA Honored With The Mal Mixon Advocate Award thumbnail Mike Hamilton Of ADMEA Honored With The Mal Mixon Advocate Award Last week, during the 2025 AAHomecare Washington Legislative Conference, Mike Hamilton, Executive Director of ADMEA, was honored with the prestigious Mal Mixon Advocate Award. VGM Senior Leaders Engage in Advocacy at AAHomecare Legislative Conference thumbnail VGM Senior Leaders Engage in Advocacy at AAHomecare Legislative Conference This week, VGM leaders attended the AAHomecare Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C., a premier event dedicated to advancing healthcare policy and advocacy. AAHomecare provided attendees with valuable insights, equipping them with key discussion points and strategies for effective meetings with legislators. Champion of Change: Paula Vineyard of Elana Health & Loop Medical Leads Healthcare Advocacy in West Virginia thumbnail Champion of Change: Paula Vineyard of Elana Health & Loop Medical Leads Healthcare Advocacy in West Virginia On Thursday, May 8, Paula Vineyard, owner of Elana Health & Loop Medical, took a pivotal step in healthcare advocacy by hosting a meeting with Tyler Ohrn, Field Representative for Congresswoman Carol Miller of West Virginia's First District. The hour-long discussion centered on the pressing need for congressional support of H.R. 2005.