October Archives
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Join the Upcoming Webinar, "Coping with Continued Pandemic/Supply Chain Issues," on Tuesday, November 9!
October 28, 2021
Categories: COVID-19, General, PHE, Regulatory, Reimbursement
Supply chain issues, vendor surcharges, labor shortages, and product recalls are just a few of the complexities HME suppliers are currently facing during this COVID-19 pandemic. VGM is here to shed some light on these issues and offer some suggestions on how you can endure these issues and still continue to provide quality products and services to your patients.
Please join us for an upcoming webinar with the VGM Government Relations and Regulatory team on Tuesday, November 9 from...
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Durable Medical Equipment Community Emergency Response Committee Established. Please Complete Survey!
October 21, 2021
Categories: General, State Associations
Earlier this year, southern states like Texas and Oklahoma were hit with an unexpected winter storm that left many, including patients reliant on oxygen and other powered DME, without power for days. That’s when HME state associations, VGM, and industry leaders stepped in to begin establishing processes are needed to assist beneficiaries in their time of need. Emergency Preparedness for Home Medical Equipment Suppliers Committee was established to address these issues. The goal of...
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Final Analysis: COVID-19 Government Stimulus Packages
October 20, 2021
Categories: COVID-19, General, OSHA, Paycheck Protection Program, PHE, PPP
Healthcare providers were presented with several economic stimulus programs to relieve some of the burdens brought on by the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE). During a recent presentation, VGM’s Mark Higley, VP of Regulatory Affairs, and Craig Douglas, VP of Payer & Member Relations, have summarized these programs, what is required of providers to stay compliant, and the tax implications surrounding these programs.
HHS Provider Relief Fund (PRF) and Updated Reporting...
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VGM Government Relations Releases Updated Study with Leitten Consulting: Competitive Bidding – A Decade Focused on the Wrong Prize
October 19, 2021
Categories: CMS, Competitive Bidding, General
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Public Health Emergency (PHE) Renewed for Another 90 Days
October 15, 2021
On Friday, October 15, 2021, HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra announced an extension of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE). This extension will last another 90 days from October 18, 2021. The COVID-19 PHE was initially declared on January 31, 2020 (with acknowledgement that it has existed since January 27th). Any PHE declaration can only last for 90 days at a time but can be extended or renewed. It has already been renewed multiple times. There are several provisions tied to the duration...
Read MoreHouse 'Dear Colleague Letter' Sent to CMS with 95 Signatures
October 14, 2021
Categories: General
Yesterday the House ‘Dear Colleague letter’ was sent to HHS/CMS with 95 members of Congress signatures included. Click here to view the finalized letter and the list of supporters. Numerous congressional supporters on the letter sit on key committees like House Energy and Commerce and House Ways and Means.
This letter requests Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Chiquita...
Read MoreTomorrow is the Deadline for the House of Representatives to Sign the Dear Colleague Letter to CMS. Reach Out Today if Your Member is Not on the List.
October 11, 2021
Categories: CMS, General, HHS, Reimbursement
Click here to view the list of 86 supporters. The list was last updated Friday.
If your member of Congress has not signed on yet, please reach out to them today asking them to sign this letter asking Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure to finalize the Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) proposed rule that was issued on October...
Read MoreDeadline for House Dear Colleague Letter to CMS extended to Tuesday, October 12.
October 7, 2021
Categories: CMS, General, HHS, Reimbursement
If your member of Congress has not signed on yet, please reach out to them today asking them to sign this letter asking Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure to finalize the Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) proposed rule that was issued on October 27, 2020.
The rule would establish methodologies for adjusting...
Read MoreSupport Needed for Dear Colleague Letter to CMS. Reach out to your member of Congress today!
October 5, 2021
Categories: CMS, General, HHS, Reimbursement
Deadline for House Dear Colleague letter to CMS extended to Thursday, October 7.
As of this morning, there are 38 supporters of the letter. See the current list of supporters here. We need so many more! Please reach out to your member of Congress today asking them to sign this letter asking Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure to finalize the Durable...
Read MoreSupport is Needed for the Letter Asking CMS for Increase Reimbursement for HME. Your Actions are Needed Today! Deadline is Tomorrow.
October 4, 2021
Categories: CMS, General, HHS, Reimbursement
There are currently only 22 supporters of the House Dear Colleague to CMS! Now is the time for action. Please reach out to your member of Congress today asking them to sign this letter asking Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure to finalize the Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) proposed rule that was issued on October 27, 2020. The rule...
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