News & Announcements

The ball keeps rolling for CRT (Complex Rehab Technology). Just days after the House of Representatives sign-on letter regarding power seat elevation and standing systems started circulating, one was also introduced in the Senate. The Senate letter, led by Sens. Duckworth (D-IL), Blackburn (R-TN), and Casey (D-PA), is currently open for senators to sign through Sept. 30.   

The ball keeps rolling for CRT (Complex Rehab Technology). Just days after the House of Representatives sign-on letter regarding power seat elevation and standing systems started circulating, one was also introduced in the Senate. The Senate letter, led by Sens. Duckworth (D-IL), Blackburn (R-TN), and Casey (D-PA), is currently open for senators to sign through Sept. 30.   

Late on Monday, August 15th, CMS announced the opening of a 30-day comment period relating to the request for Medicare coverage of power seat elevation systems used with complex power wheelchairs. This is a federally required time period that allows the public to submit data, views, and arguments in regards to a current rule. You can read the full announcement from CMS here. 

Currently, the Medicare program does not encompass coverage of power seat elevation systems that are...
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Meet with your member of Congress during the congressional summer break 

Each year, both the House of Representatives and the Senate gavel the session out for most of the month of August and the first part of September so that elected officials can return home to the places they represent. During this period, it is important...
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Home medical equipment (HME) providers play a critical, frontline role in providing accessible, quality care to those who rely on equipment such as oxygen, mobility equipment, and more, as well as minimizing hospitalizations. However, these providers continue to face reimbursement cuts, which makes it difficult for them to provide these essential services, which affect the access of those who rely on these equipment and services.  

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the changes...
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VGM Government Relations and Leitten Consulting recently published an updated study, “Competitive Bidding -A Decade Focused on the Wrong Prize: The Case for Medicare Investment in DME in 2021.” This study looks at how investing in Durable Medical Equipment (DME) instead of trying to control distribution, specifically regarding chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and falls, can save the government billions of dollars, as well as allow for more...
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COVID-19, regulatory burdens, supply shortages, natural disasters, and product recalls are just the tip of the iceberg (or mountain) of issues facing the home medical equipment (HME) industry this past year. These past couple years have not been easy on anyone, yet the workers remain dedicated to ensuring that individuals receive the equipment and services they need.

Medical Equipment is Not Immune to Supply Shortages, Sadly

We’ve all seen on the nightly...
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Last month, we highlighted the importance of being supplied with the appropriate services and equipment for an improved quality of life for you and your loved ones. When proper funds and resources are invested into the products and services you and your loved ones rely on, the risk of falling decreases, and the quality of care and equipment you and your loved ones receive – as...
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September 22 was National Falls Prevention Awareness Day. According to U.S. Centers for Disease Control, falls have been the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries among U.S. adults aged 65 years and over throughout the past decade. However, with the appropriate services and equipment, falls can be prevented.

According to a new study, “The Case for Medicare Investment in DME in 2021,” being released by Leitten Consulting:

When Medicare invests in mobility...
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Even though the month of August is coming to a close, there is still time to reach out to your members of Congress while they are in their state/districts to hear from their constituent base. This August recess ends on September 10, and now is the perfect time to let your members of Congress know about the importance of having access to quality care and proper home medical equipment (HME) and supplies, as well as the importance of moving HME legislation forward through both levels of government...
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