VGM Government Relations Blog

The NCD for home oxygen is being opened up for reconsideration for cluster headaches with comments that were due Sept. 16. The last time the oxygen NCD was updated was in 1993 – 27 years ago. This particular reconsideration gives the supplier community an opportunity to submit recommendations for changes to any other requirements outlined within the policy.

VGM submitted comments on behalf of our members. Click here to view those comments.

Click here view all submitted...

HHS has provided additional clarification around the deadline for providers to complete their application for Phase 2 of the Provider Relief Fund. The deadline for providers to have submitted their applications for Phase 2 of the HHS provider relief fund, whether they were applying as a Medicare provider or as a Medicaid/CHIP provider, was September 13. The first step of that process required a provider to get their Tax ID Number (TIN) validated, a process that could take a few days. The previous...

Last year, Reps. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.) and Dave Loebsack (D-Iowa) introduced H.R.2771, Protecting HOME Act of 2019, allowing for increased reimbursement rates for durable medical equipment and oxygen equipment and supplies in areas of the country where reimbursement has been slashed up to 50% over the years.

We reported last week that H.R.8158 passed the House Energy and Commerce committee and includes budget neutrality for oxygen, which is language from H.R.2771....

Last year, Reps. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.) and Dave Loebsack (D-Iowa), introduced H.R. 2771, Protecting HOME Act of 2019, allowing for increased reimbursement rates for durable medical equipment and oxygen equipment and supplies in areas of the country where reimbursement has been slashed up to 50% over the years. This bill is still alive! We need to continue reaching out to our members of Congress asking for support. Click here to see a full list of current...

The deadline for signatures on the congressional letter to CMS asking to permanently exclude CRT manual accessories from the competitive bidding program has been extended to Sept. 18.

The letter, spearheaded by Reps. John Larson (D-CT) and Lee Zeldin (R-NY), urges CMS to use administrative authority to permanently exclude CRT manual accessories from Competitive Bidding Program (CBP) pricing. This request would require CMS to use the same payment policies for accessories on manual chairs...

The deadline to apply for the HHS Provider Relief Fund for Medicaid/CHIP providers who did not receive any relief payments during the Medicare-based General Distribution has been extended until September 13th, 2020. Providers who have been adversely impacted by COVID-19, meet all of the other eligibility requirements, and can agree to the terms and conditions associated with the program are encouraged to apply for this relief fund.

Click here to read the original article, “Deadline...

People for Quality Care continues to advocate for your customers and their caregivers. We do so by giving those directly receiving home medical equipment or services a place to reach out with their great stories or challenges.

Here is a simple postcard you can hand out to your customers if they would like to share their story with us. As a reminder, we are not affiliated with CMS or Medicare but can listen and try to make an impact by sharing stories.

Download the postcard...

From the Desk of Mark Higley

Many DMEPOS stakeholders, including VGM, have been actively monitoring this rule as it was titled Medicare Program; End-Stage Renal Disease Prospective Payment System, Payment for Renal Dialysis Services Furnished to Individuals With Acute Kidney Injury, End-Stage Renal Disease Quality Incentive Program, Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics and Supplies (DMEPOS) Fee Schedule Amounts, DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program (CBP) Amendments, Standard...

In Noridian’s latest update, there is a reminder for the final ruling for CMS-1713, which includes information related to “Standard Elements for DMEPOS Order, and Master List of DMEPOS Items Potentially Subject to a Face-to-Face Encounter and Written Orders Prior to Delivery and, or Prior Authorization Requirements.” The information related to the Standard Written Order and Prior Authorization appears to be unchanged. Currently, it appears as if there are just a few minor...