On January 13, 2017 the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) posted a State Informational Bulletin encouraging states to adopt strategies to improve dual eligible beneficiaries’ access to Durable Medical Equipment (DME). The … [Read more...] about CMS Bulletin Moves to Improve Access to Durable Medical Equipment for Dually Eligible Beneficiaries
Durable Medical Equipment
CMA Organizes Sign-On Letter Concerning CMS Request for Information Regarding Dually-Eligible Beneficiaries’ Access to DME
On Friday August 19, 2016, the Center for Medicare Advocacy submitted comments in response to a June 30 request from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for information regarding Durable Medical Equipment (DME) access issues faced … [Read more...] about CMA Organizes Sign-On Letter Concerning CMS Request for Information Regarding Dually-Eligible Beneficiaries’ Access to DME
Proposed Rule: Access to DME for Dually Eligible People
On June 30, 2016 the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) published a proposed rule about the difficulties of dually eligible people (individuals eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid) to obtain Durable Medical Equipment (DME). The … [Read more...] about Proposed Rule: Access to DME for Dually Eligible People
DME: GAO Releases Study on Utilization and Expenditures for Complex Wheelchair Accessories
The Patient Access and Medicare Protection Act (PAMPA), enacted on December 28, 2015, delayed application of competitive bid program (CBP) adjusted payment rates for accessories furnished in connection with complex rehabilitation technology (CRT) … [Read more...] about DME: GAO Releases Study on Utilization and Expenditures for Complex Wheelchair Accessories
New Medicare Administrative Contractor for Durable Medical Equipment (Effective June 27, 2016)
On January 4, 2016, The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) awarded the administration of the Jurisdiction B Durable Medicare Equipment Administrative Contractor (DME MAC) serving Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, … [Read more...] about New Medicare Administrative Contractor for Durable Medical Equipment (Effective June 27, 2016)
CMS Final Rule for Prior Authorization Process for Certain Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS)
Effective February 20, 2016, CMS has created a prior authorization process for certain identified DMEPOS before they can be approved for Medicare payment. Items subject to prior authorization will be identified on a Master List. According to CMS, … [Read more...] about CMS Final Rule for Prior Authorization Process for Certain Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS)
Center for Medicare Advocacy Files Civil Rights Complaint on Behalf of People Who Need Lower Limb Prostheses
On October 8, 2015 the Center for Medicare Advocacy filed a complaint with the Office of Civil Rights regarding Proposed Local Coverage Determination (LCD) DL 33787. This proposed LCD would unfairly and illegally restrict Medicare coverage for … [Read more...] about Center for Medicare Advocacy Files Civil Rights Complaint on Behalf of People Who Need Lower Limb Prostheses
Medicare Takes a Big Step Forward to Help People Communicate – But There’s More to Do
Beneficiaries who seek Medicare coverage for expanded types and features of Speech Generating Devices (SGDs) have reason to be optimistic. Electronic devices that meet the definition of a Speech Generating Device will be coverable. This … [Read more...] about Medicare Takes a Big Step Forward to Help People Communicate – But There’s More to Do
Welcome Reprieve for People Who Need Speech Generating Devices (SGDs) To Communicate
CMS Rescinds Restrictive Policy and Will Reconsider Technological Advances CMS announced yesterday that it has begun the process of updating its Medicare coverage policy for Speech Generating Devices (SGDs). A new SGD National Coverage … [Read more...] about Welcome Reprieve for People Who Need Speech Generating Devices (SGDs) To Communicate
Medical Equipment Suppliers’ Ongoing Opposition to the Competitive Bidding Program and Consequences for Beneficiaries
Report prepared by Mario Ramsey, Center for Medicare Advocacy Summer Health Policy Fellow I. Introduction Since the introduction of … [Read more...] about Medical Equipment Suppliers’ Ongoing Opposition to the Competitive Bidding Program and Consequences for Beneficiaries