December Archives
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COVID-19 Relief Package Tax Implications and PPP and EIDL Updates
December 30, 2020
Categories: COVID-19, General, Paycheck Protection Program, PPP
There are a few things you need to know about the recent signing of the year-end legislative packge by former President Trump. The larger spending package did have changes to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Diasaster Loan Program (EIDL), as well as some tax implications. Below are two articles from Mark Higley and Craig Douglas regarding the updates.
Changes to PPP and EIDL Tax Implications from COVID-19 Relief BillPlease reach out to Mark...
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Former President Trump Signs Year-End Legislative Package Which Includes Oxygen Budget Neutrality and Extending the 2% Sequestration Relief
December 28, 2020
Year-End Legislative Package Includes Oxygen Budget Neutrality and Extending the 2% Sequestration Relief
On December 27, former President Trump signed the massive $2.3 trillion coronavirus relief and government funding bill into law, averting a government shutdown that was set to begin on Tuesday and extending billions of dollars in coronavirus aid to millions. This bill also includes two key HME pieces of legislation: Oxygen Budget Neutrality and Extending the 2% Sequestration...
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Notice of State Vaccination Plans
December 23, 2020
Categories: COVID-19
The VGM Government Relations team has received several requests for information relative to “where does the HME community stand with regard to vaccine prioritization?”
As each state differs in its prioritization schedule, we are distributing this release in the hope that you may contact, if necessary, on an ongoing basis, the appropriate agency or state department of public health and obtain important information. We recognize you are on the “front line” and are...
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Don't Leave Money on the Table: KE Modifier Adjustments from CARES Act for NON-RURAL Areas - UPDATE
December 23, 2020
Categories: PHE, Reimbursement
Part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act included reimbursement rate changes for certain zip codes and HCPCS codes.
Suppliers that service beneficiaries with a zip code in what is considered a non-rural and noncontiguous areas are receiving the 75/25 blended rate increase. That is 75% of the adjusted rates and 25% of the 2015 unadjusted rates. These rates are retroactive to March 6, 2020 through the remainder of the duration of public health emergency...
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Year-End Legislative Package PASSES and Includes Oxygen Budget Neutrality and Extending the 2% Sequestration Relief
December 22, 2020
Categories: CMS, COVID-19, General, PHE
Year-End Legislative Package Includes Oxygen Budget Neutrality and Extending the 2% Sequestration Relief
Just announced! Congress passes their year-end bill and it includes two HME pieces of legislation: Oxygen Budget Neutrality and Extending the 2% Sequestration Relief.
Both of the Oxygen Budget Neutrality bill (H.R. 8158) and the Extension of the 2% Sequestration had their own separate bills earlier this year and have been included on the year-end bill, commonly referred...
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Year-End Legislative Package to Include Oxygen Budget Neutrality and Extending the 2% Sequestration Relief
December 21, 2020
Categories: COVID-19, General, Reimbursement
Congress will likely soon pass their year-end bill which includes two HME pieces of legislation: Oxygen Budget Neutrality and Extending the 2% Sequestration Relief.
Both the Oxygen Budget Neutrality bill (H.R.8158) and the Extension of the 2% Sequestration have been included on the year-end bill commonly referred to as a “Christmas Tree” bill, which contains many random riders and amendments, metaphorically like ornaments on a Christmas tree.
Click here to...
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VGM Gears up for 2021; Key Members and Freshmen Members of the 117th Congress
December 18, 2020
Categories: General
As we roll into the 117th Congress, it is critical that the HME industry looks for new allies and champions. We will be looking to you, our members, for assistance in educating them on our current issues.
VGM pledges to continue to encourage legislation that would improve the reimbursement, decrease regulatory burdens, and improve accessibility for patients for DME, CRT, O&P, and women’s health in 2021.
In coordination with state associations, we are excited to begin...
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How Employers Can Defend Themselves Against a COVID-19 Claim
December 18, 2020
Categories: COVID-19
SmartBrief recently released an article that VGM members can use as a refence to protect themselves from COVID-19 claims. With the goal of helping employers prepare to protect their business, employers, and customers, this article highlights:
How to limit COVID-19’s spread in the workplace Explaining COVID-19 claim risks Advice for managing a COVID-19 employee claim, including asking about: Job duties/exposure questions Personal protective equipment/sanitizing Symptoms/testing Personal... Read More -
EEOC Issues Guidance on Mandatory Vaccinations
December 17, 2020
Categories: COVID-19
In an update from Law360, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) issued new guidance Wednesday, Dec. 16, outlining a road map for employers that want to require workers to get COVID-19 vaccinations, detailing the steps businesses must take before banning unvaccinated workers from job sites.
This guidance outlines the legal framework under the Americans with Disabilities Act and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act for how businesses that adopt a vaccine requirement...
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Update on Indiana Medicaid Changes; Action Needed by Indiana Providers!
December 15, 2020
Categories: Reimbursement
The following information is from the Great Lakes Home Medical Services Association eNews update, sent Dec, 15, 2020:As previously reported, Indiana Medicaid (Indiana Family and Social Services Administration) is proposing drastic changes to the payment policies for HME, CRT, and medical supplies including rate reductions to the state’s LOWEST Medicare rate for CURES codes on 2/01/21 and remaining CURES codes on 8/01/22. Great Lakes joined other industry... Read More