08/10/2023

The Stakes are High

Source: AAHomecare Insider 8/09/23

Without legislative action, rates for non-rural/non-CBA suppliers will see dramatic cuts. The clock is ticking.  Without legislative action, rates for non-rural/non-CBA suppliers are set to drop by an average of 32% for the top 25 HCPCS codes starting on Jan. 1, 2024, based on our analysis.

For some products, including CPAP devices, O2 concentrators, and manual wheelchairs, the cuts will range well over 40%.  The impacts will also be felt in TRICARE rates, Medicaid rates in 20 states, and with other payers influenced by the non-rural/non-CBA fee schedule.

These stark numbers should lend urgency to HME industry grassroots outreach on S. 1294.  

For those of you who have reached out to your legislators in the past or taken part in one of our legislative events, please reach out directly to your Senators asking that they support and co-sponsor S. 1294, legislation to extend current rates in non-rural/non-CBAs through the end of 2024.  Messaging and tips on contacting your Senators can be found here.  If you have a chance to see one or both of your Senators during the August recess period, please make the case for extending the relief and ask who you should follow up with in their office.

You can also use our Voter Voice Advocacy System to send a pre-drafted note to your Senators on the issue, and you are encouraged to share that link with your friends and colleagues.

Your advocacy now can help raise awareness in advance of our Sept. 20 Virtual Fly-In – and we hope you’ll consider being a part of this efficient and effective day of advocacy – learn more and register here.

Please help us continue to build awareness as we work to position S. 1294 language for consideration in future continuing resolution or Omnibus legislative packages. We are less than 150 days away from drastic cuts impacting a broad swath of our industry. We need your advocacy to communicate the urgency for HME to Capitol Hill.

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Special OAMES Note:

We encourage Ohio providers to contact the state's US Senators directly and reach out to the following staff members with your message.  Senate offices can be deliberate when it comes to adding their names as a co-sponsor to legislation, so HME advocates must be prepared to make a determined and consistent case for extending 75/25 blended rates through 2024.

- Sen. JD Vance’s office - Patrick Brennan patrick_brennan@vance.senate.gov;

- Sen. Sherrod Brown’s office - Abigail Duggan Abigail_Duggan@brown.senate.gov.

If you need any assistance or have questions, contact Kam Yuricich at kam@oames.org.