December Archives

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. 

Please reach out to Mark...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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.

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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...

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:

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...