WATERLOO, IOWA – In response to CMS’ request for public comment regarding the expansion of the DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program, VGM is asking providers to take a few moments to fill out an online survey at www.vgm.com/survey.
To simplify the process of submitting public comment, the online survey, developed by VGM, asks the six questions that reflect the questions asked by CMS about expanding the competitive bidding program. The questions in the VGM survey provide examples and are simplified to better reflect a provider’s day-to-day business experience. The link to the survey is available here. Stop by VGM Booth #700 for more information.
Submitted surveys will be processed and sent to CMS by courier before the March 28 deadline. “Our staff reviewed the CMS instructions and online tools to see if the public comment process was simple to understand and complete quickly,” explains John Gallagher, vice president, Government Relations, VGM. “What they found was far from ideal for busy business owners. So we developed a straightforward solution that can be completed in a short amount of time. We need a sounding board for our issues and know that that squeaky wheel is what gets heard. We’re working to make it easier for the voice of providers to be heard.”
Stand Up for Homecare on Tuesday, March 11
LAS VEGAS – Attendees at Medtrade Spring can “stand up for homecare” by clicking here and registering for an evening of networking with homecare industry leaders. The even takes place on Tuesday, March 11, at 6:00 pm in the Mandalay Bay convention center in Las Vegas.
Stand Up for Homecare is a broad-based campaign to get positive, accurate news about home medical equipment into national and local media through direct outreach to media contacts. The campaign also helps home care providers, their patients, and other stakeholders build positive perceptions of the HME sector on Capitol Hill.
When you Stand Up for Homecare, you are supporting efforts to promote a positive image of homecare, raise public awareness of homecare’s many benefits, and spur people to take action against harmful policies like Medicare’s bidding program. Stop by AAHomecare Booth #829 for more info.
DME Provisions Included in President’s 2015 Budget
WASHINGTON, DC – President Obama released his 2015 budget this week, and, as expected, provisions targeting DME were included. Two of the prominent provisions suggest using Medicare bid rates for Medicaid reimbursement to save money, and implementing prior authorization as a means of fighting fraud. AAHomecare has strongly opposed the Medicaid proposal for a number of years and has successfully kept it from going into effect. Members can read the issue paper written by our government affairs experts.
Beth Ludwick Joins AAHomecare Communications Team
WASHINGTON, DC – Beth Ludwick has joined the AAHomecare team and will be responsible for implementing communications strategies that position AAHomecare as the voice of the home care industry.
Ludwick’s focus will be on all things digital, from running AAHomecare’s social media platforms and digital advocacy campaigns, to utilizing new digital tools for members, and showcasing AAHomecare’s industry leadership.
Stop by AAHomecare Booth #829 to meet Beth.
“Whether it is with Congress, the Administration, or CMS, AAHomecare is fighting for the millions of Americans who require medical care in their homes,” said Ludwick. “I am proud to join that fight, and look forward to getting to know the members in person out at Medtrade Spring.” Beth comes to the Association with six years of communications and marketing experience at the largest trade association representing the food industry, the Grocery Manufacturers Association, where she was responsible for keeping members informed about initiatives and communicating member return on investment.