Stay informed with Medbill’s blog, where we share expert guidance, practical tips, and industry updates to help DME providers navigate the industry’s complexities.
Representatives Glenn Thompson (R-Pa.) and Bruce Braley (D-Iowa) have drafted a strongly worded letter to CMS Administrator Marilyn Tavenner citing problems with Medicare's bidding program for home medical equipment. The letter asks CMS to refrain from further action...
Last week’s proposal to expand competitive bidding nationwide was likely a rude awakening for HME providers who have been sitting on the sidelines thinking that the program wouldn’t directly affect them, say stakeholders. “Many folks thought it was going to crash and...
On March 6, the Medicare audit contractors announced the addition of face-to-face language to the following local coverage determinations (LCDs) and policy articles: • Automatic External Defibrillators • Hospital Beds and Accessories • Manual Wheelchair Bases • Speech...
On February 27, the Medicare audit contractors announced recent changes to local coverage determinations (LCDs) and policy articles on external infusion pumps, ostomy supplies, and pressure reducing support surfaces. External Infusion Pumps – This LCD revised Section...
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...
After a nearly yearlong effort, state health officials presented their plan for overhauling the North Carolina Medicaid program, revealing a retreat from plans to offer the $13 billion program out to bid to private managed care companies. Over the course of a...
In a letter to HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, 111 congressmen urged HHS to deploy additional resources to resolve the backlog of appeals of overpayments determined by Recovery Audit Contractors (RACs), to implement reforms in the RAC process, and consider...
At a recent Office of Medicare Hearings and Appeals (OMHA) hearing on delays in scheduling appeals at the administrative law judge (ALJ) level, AAHomecare President Tom Ryan told OMHA Chief ALJ Nancy Griswold that when he hears stories of providers with patients who...
On January 21, the new interest rate on Medicare overpayments and underpayments became 10.25 percent, a 0.125 percent increase. Interest on payments accrues from the date of the initial request for refund and is assessed for each 30-day period, or portion thereof,...
Insurers would have to accept any medical provider who meets contract terms into their network under a bill moving forward in the Mississippi House. The House Insurance Committee voted 7-6 Thursday to approve House Bill 553, with four members present but not voting....
Despite the fact that Medicare's per capita cost increases are at historic lows, policymakers continue to look for ways to put new constraints on program spending. There's nothing inherently wrong with that. In fact, given the rapid growth in the beneficiary...
H.R. 1717, a bill that would replace competitive bidding with the industry’s market pricing program, continues to draw support. This week, two more lawmakers co-sponsored the legislation, which was introduced by Rep. Tom Price (R-Ga.)into the House as the Medicare...
