WASHINGTON, DC – Last week, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (OIG) released two separate reports on the Round 1 Rebid. According to the GAO report, both beneficiary utilization and numbers of providers are down in bid areas. The report notes that, in general, the number of beneficiaries being furnished with DME dropped more in the bidding areas than in the non-bidding areas they were compared to. Yet, CMS does not believe that beneficiaries experienced any access issues. AAHomecare firmly rejects CMS’ conclusion.
Other advocacy groups, such as People for Quality Care, reported 3,000-plus grievances nationwide through its Medicare Beneficiary Complaint Hotline from June 2013 to the present. “I speak with Medicare beneficiaries daily who are frustrated and desperate, because they are unable to get help,” said Kelly Turner, director of advocacy at People for Quality Care. “But basically, this report says they are lying.”
Clarification on Region C Complex Reviews
AAHomecare sought clarification from Region C staff after they posted a complex review for speech generating devices on March 26. Questions centered on CMS’ announcement that after February 21, RACs would no longer be issuing new additional documentation requests (ADRs).
Save My Medical Supplies Campaign Generates 725 Letters to Congress in 24 Hours
AAHomecare’s new consumer facing campaign, Save My Medical Supplies, generated 725 letters to Congress in the first 24 hours after its launch. The campaign goal is to build a public outcry on HME issues by educating consumers about how Medicare reform mistakes are impacting people with serious medical needs. Save My Medical Supplies strives to explain Medicare complexities and reform challenges in consumer-friendly language that is relatable, inclusive, and easy to understand.
The campaign is already starting to go viral in the health care social media community, but AAHomecare representatives are asking for help to share the campaign with customers, referral sources, consumer groups, and local community members.
Save the date – AAHomecare’s Washington Legislative Conference is May 6-8
WASHINGTON, DC – It’s time to exercise your right to petition the government. Before you arrive in Washington, D.C., AAHomecare will work with you to schedule the right appointments. Top experts will help you understand the details of the key issues during a day-long series of seminars at the Omni Shoreham hotel. AAHomcare will also provide tips on the best ways to establish working relationships with members of Congress, plus give you handouts to leave behind in Hill offices after your appointments. Click Here to Register for the Conference.