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

H.R. 5555 Gets Approved By Health Subcommittee thumbnail 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 thumbnail 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. Ronda Vlog: CGM News - Update On the 90 Days Billable on January 1, 2024 thumbnail 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. VGM's Ike Isaacson Gets 'Revved Up' thumbnail 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. Champions of Change Pushing for 55 in 55 Make Moves in Illinois thumbnail 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. Ronda Vlog: CGM News -90 Days Billable on January 1, 2024 thumbnail Ronda Vlog: CGM News -90 Days Billable on January 1, 2024 Listen as Ronda Buhrmester, Sr. Director of Payer Relations and Reimbursement, provides an important CGM update. S. 3069 Introduced Into Senate thumbnail S. 3069 Introduced Into Senate On Oct. 18, U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) re-introduced legislation to ensure breast cancer patients and survivors who have experienced a mastectomy are able to access custom breast prosthetics under Medicare.