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We are continuing to collect information from our VGM members, state associations, and other sources on the COVID-19 vaccine distribution. Click here to see the data currently collected of how individual states are handing the distribution and whether HME providers are currently able to receive the vaccination.

If you have information that is not on this spreadsheet regarding availability to HME providers, or any resourceful links, please send to [email protected]

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On Thursday, January 7, 2021, HHS Secretary Alex Azar announced an extension of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE). This 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 time throughout 2020, and the 90 day extension that occurred in October 2020 was set to expire on or around January 21. There are...

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VGM, along with the HME State Associations and AAHomecare have been tracking the status of the COVID-19 vaccine distribution by state and whether HME providers are included in early distribution.

Click here to see the data currently collected of how individual states are handing the distribution and whether HME providers are currently able to receive the vaccination.

Please reach out to [email protected] if you have information to share regarding vaccine distribution, that...

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There are a few things you need to know about the recent signing of the year-end legislative packge by 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 Bill

Please reach out to Mark Higley...

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Year-End Legislative Package Includes Oxygen Budget Neutrality and Extending the 2% Sequestration Relief

Just last night, 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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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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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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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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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...

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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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