HME 2023 Federal Policy Initiatives

While HME advocates can be proud of persistent advocacy efforts that resulted in tangible, substantial relief that will pay off in 2023, AAHomecare leadership is already working to build on these wins in the 118th Congress, as well as through engagement with CMS and the Administration.  The Association’s Executive Committee approved Federal policy priorities for 2023:

1. Further extending (or making permanent) 75/25 blended non-rural, non-CBA Medicare reimbursement rates. These rates influence other payers who peg reimbursements based on these rates, including Medicaid rates in 21 states as well as TRICARE rates.
2. Continue to advocate for 90/10 blended Medicare rates in CBAs; introduce House and Senate legislation.
3. Work with Congress to encourage CMS to provide clarity on their plans for the Competitive Bidding (CB) program.  If CMS indicates it plans to move forward, we will work with Congress on legislation that would codify into law important guardrails that are currently in place, including clearing price methodology and using the unadjusted fee schedule as bid ceiling.  If the CB moves forward, we will to work with Congress to require CMS to accept higher rates if that is the result of the bidding process.
4. Maintaining coverage for oxygen and continuous glucose monitor (CGM) patients granted under relaxed PHE requirements beyond the end of the PHE.
5. Work with Congress on oversight and transparency of Medicare Advantage plans to ensure Medicare beneficiaries have to the same access to care as in Part B.
6. Work with Congress and industry stakeholders on legislation to establish oxygen criteria via clinical data elements (CDE).
7. Work with CMS and Congress to prevent competitive bidding program from expanding to include CGM, ostomy, and urological products.
8. Work with Congress on legislation to include titanium/carbon fiber upgrades for mobility products as a Medicare benefit.
9. Monitor Federal legislation on “right to repair” issues and potential impacts on mobility providers, manufacturers, and patients.

Delivering on such an ambitious Federal policy agenda will require the continued investment of veteran HME advocacy leaders, as well as educating and mobilizing more HME stakeholders and allies to add their voice to our efforts to deliver better policies for our industry. The AAHomecare team looks forward to working with you to bring home more wins for HME in 2023 and beyond. Please save the date now for our Washington Legislative Conference on September 20, 2023.