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The Subcommittee on Health Announces a Hearing Being Held on September 15 - 9/8/2010
The notification below was provided by Representative Bruce Braley (D-IA). (more...)
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Rural Areas Will Be Impacted by the Competitive Bidding Program - 9/3/2010
Many providers and members of Congress in non-competitive bid areas are under the assumption that they will not be affected by the competitive bidding program. However, economist Ken Brown, Ph.D., who (more...)
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CMS Rejects Congressional Request to Release Bid Winners, Ensure Transparency - 9/1/2010
From AAHomecare
In a letter to Representatives Jason Altmire (D-Pa.) and Ralph Hall (R-Texas), CMS rejected the request of 136 members of the House of Representatives requesting greater transparency in the bid proces (more...)
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Invacare, AAHomecare, and VGM Send Letter to Sebelius on Competitive Bidding - 8/30/2010
Following a meeting last week with HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, Invacare, AAHomecare, and VGM sent a letter to her to follow up on their “serious concerns” about beneficiary access to (more...)
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ACTION NEEDED: Ask your Legislators to Contact CMS about Transparency in the Competitive Bidding Program - 8/19/2010
Last week, 136 representatives sent a letter to CMS Administrator Donald Berwick asking for transparency in the DME com (more...)
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Altmire-Hall Letter Earns 136 Signatures - 8/13/2010
Early last week Representatives Jason Altmire (D-Pa.) and Ralph Hall (R-Tex.) circulated a congressional sign-on letter requesting CMS release the names of the companies that submitted winning bids th (more...)
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Harkin Visits VGM - 8/13/2010
Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), chairman of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, visited VGM Group, Inc., headquarters in Waterloo, Iowa, for a tour and educational presentations on home car (more...)
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REMINDER: Harkin Event in Waterloo is on Aug. 10! - 8/6/2010
On Tuesday, Aug. 10, Van Miller and Jim Walsh of VGM; Cara Bachenheimer of Invacare; Tyler Wilson of AAHomecare; and Rose Schafhauser of MAMES will be hosting a brunch for Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) in (more...)
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Urge your congressman to sign onto the Altmire/Hall letter - 8/6/2010
All providers must contact their congressmen TODAY to urge him/her to sign on to the Altmire-Hall letter on CMS Transparency. Time is of the essence! The deadline is Monday, Aug. 9 (more...)
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Congressional Sign-on Letter Requesting Round One Bidding Information - 8/4/2010
Representative Jason Altmire (D-PA) and Representative Ralph Hall (R-TX) are initiating a congressional sign-on letter requesting that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) release the (more...)
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Call to ACTION: It’s Time to Get “Hopping Mad” - 7/2/2010
It should come as no surprise that CMS made their announcement of the “winning” bid rates at the dawn of our nation’s birthday, Independence Day. Many would rather enjoy the ho (more...)
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Baucus, Grassley Praise House Passage of Bill to Reverse Doctor Payment Cut - 7/1/2010
Bipartisan Bill to Preserve Access to Doctors, Reverse 21 Percent Payment Cut through November Passed Senate Last Week, Heads to President for Signature
Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) and Ranking Member Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) today applauded House passage of legislation to reverse a 21 percent payment cut for doctors in Med (more...)
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CMS Claims "Benefits" of Competitive Bidding as "Winning" Bid Prices are Released; Payments Reduced by an Average of 32 Percent - 7/1/2010
As anticipated, CMS has released the “winning” bid prices for the DME competitive bidding program, touting that the program will save an average of 32 percent, saving tax payers and M (more...)
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Discuss Competitive Bidding with us Today at 11 am CDT - 6/29/2010
VGM`s Lunch Bucket with John Gallagher
The “Lunch Bucket with John Gallagher” will be airing a live video and conference call on TODAY, June 29 at 11:00 am CDT (12:00 pm EDT). Please make plans to join VGM’s J (more...)
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CALL TO ACTION: - 6/29/2010
H.R. 3790 at 252 Co-sponsors – Keep Up the Pressure!
At the dawn of CMS’ “winning” bid announcement, VGM would like to remind all providers to keep up the pressure with your legislators to STOP competitive bidding. We cannot let (more...)
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House Approves Temporary ‘Doc Fix’ - 6/25/2010
The House yesterday approved the Senate`s "doc fix," which postpones the planned cuts to physicians` Medicare reimbursement until November. The measure passed in a 417-1 vote and reverses th (more...)
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Competitive Bidding: Bid Rates Unlikely to Be Released Today - 6/25/2010
Because of a June 10 Inside Health Policy report, many DME providers and industry leaders expected CMS to announce the “winning” bids for the DME competitive bidding program today.& (more...)
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ALERT! House Members Go Home without Doc Fix; CMS Tells Contractors to Process 21 Percent Payment Cut - 6/18/2010
According to the Congress Daily (see article below), the Senate failed on Thursday to get the 60 votes necessary to approve the “Extenders” Bill, which included a “doc fix” to (more...)
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Industry Ready when Lid Comes Off the Bidding Kettle - 6/7/2010
From Homecare Monday 6/7/10
ATLANTA—HME advocates took advantage of the congressional recess last week to push for more cosponsors of H.R. 3790 to repeal competitive bidding. (more...)
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Government Wants to Create Jobs, While CB Eliminates Them - Contact your Local Media and Raise Awareness! - 6/3/2010
Competitive bidding will cost more than 100,000 jobs nationwide, and that the program must be stopped. As members of Congress are working to create more jobs in the count (more...)
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Time to Raise the Volume Level - 5/27/2010
Memorial Day Recess is Coming - Lets STOP Competitive Bidding
It is critical that House leadership move quickly to advance and pass H.R. 3790. We must help motivate this action by our grassroots call to House leadership, and by raising local awareness on t (more...)
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Raise Awareness - VOTE TODAY! - 5/26/2010
Ms. Wheelchair Iowa, 2009 Asks for Your Support (more...)
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STOP "COMPETITIVE BIDDING" FOR DME - 5/10/2010
Ask your legislators to support a repeal of Competitive Bidding
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HR 3790 Reaches the Magic Number - 4/26/2010
The bill that would repeal the DMEPOS Competitive Bidding program has reached the magic number of 216. Yesterday, Congressmen Thomas Petre (R-Wisc.), Ed Perlmutter (D-Colo.), and Phil Hare (D-Ill (more...)
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King Visits VGM - 4/8/2010
Earlier this year, VGM scheduled a meet and greet with Congressman Steve King (R-Iowa) to visit the VGM Corporate offices in Waterloo, Iowa. Today, VGM executives: Jim Phillips, COO; Jim Walsh p (more...)
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HEALTH: `VOTE-A-RAMA` Set to Start Tonight - 3/24/2010
Dan Friedman and Anna Edney, CongressDaily, 3/24/10
The Senate is set to start its "vote-a-rama" on amendments to a budget reconciliation package this evening, with Democrats ripping Republicans for blocking committee hearings and pushing bac (more...)
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HEALTH: House Approves Senate Bill, Fixes - 3/22/2010
Anna Edney and Billy House, Congress Daily, 3/22/2010
The House took a historic vote late Sunday night to approve an overhaul of the nation`s healthcare system after more than a year of debate, a few near-deaths for the measure and an intense final week (more...)
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State Associations and VGM Visit the Hill - 3/17/2010
Yesterday, VGM’s John Gallagher joined state association leaders/members Esta Willman, CAMPS; Beth Bowen, NCAMES; and Rob Brandt, AMEPA to meet Congressional members in Washington, D.C. Th (more...)
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Energy and Commerce Committee to have CMS Staff Briefing on Competitive Bidding - 3/9/2010
Today, VGM received notice that the House Energy and Commerce Committee will be briefed on the DMEPOS Competitive Bidding program by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) staff o (more...)
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DC Fly-In Follow Up - 3/9/2010
Thanks to providers and industry stakeholders who attended the AAHomecare Legislative Conference or who made phone calls this week, H.R. 3790 is up to 162 co-sponsors. The new co-sponsors include: (more...)
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Iowa Reaches 100 Percent! - 3/9/2010
Push to 100 Percent! State/Regional Association Competition
Earlier today, VGM received notice that Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa) will sign on to H.R. 3790, bringing Iowa to 100 percent support of the bill. His support follows a meeting with Iowa providers; M (more...)
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VGM GROUP INC. FUNDS FOLLOW-UP STUDY ON MEDICARE’S “COMPETITIVE BIDDING” PROGRAM - 3/2/2010
Waterloo, Iowa (February 23, 2010) — An analytical study was released today by VGM Group, Inc. further challenging the efficacy of the Medicare Competitive Bidding Program for Durable M (more...)
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White House Releases Health Care Reform Proposal; Contact Your Legislator Today - 2/22/2010
The White House has released its Health Care Reform package to be discussed at Thursday’s Health Care Reform Summit. The reform package includes provisions that will affect DME providers.& (more...)
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TAKE ACTION NOW! Reinforce Beneficiaries Concerns about Competitive Bidding by Contacting CMS - 2/10/2010
In its continued efforts to fight the fatally flawed competitive bidding program, The Center for Regulatory Effectiveness (CRE) is asking the public to submit letters to CMS supporting the comments th (more...)
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State Rep Meets with Iowa Providers Concerning Potential Medicaid Cuts - 1/19/2010
Terry Flatt Executive VP at left, Representative Mark Smith, D from Marshalltown and Peg Mohler Marshalltown Branch Manager of Hammer Medical meet to discuss healthcare issues at the company’ (more...)
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VGM Meets with Braley to Discuss Industry Concerns - 1/10/2010
Jim Phillips, COO of VGM Group
Ron Bendell, President of VGM & Associates
John Gallagher, Vice President of Government Relations with VGM & Associates
Mike Mallaro (more...)
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This Is Meek Week! (AAHomecare, VGM and NAIMES and others support) Contact Members of Congress, Ask them to Support H.R. 3790 - 1/5/2010
AAHomecare Action Alert, January 5, 2010
The state leaders have done an impeccable job supporting H.R. 3790 and educating their representatives, helping us achieve the 118 co-sponsors, which still falls short to the goal of 218. Ohio, Virgin (more...)
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CRE Petitions to Halt Competitive Bidding - 12/18/2009
Dec 17, 2009 3:09 PM, HomeCare
WASHINGTON—The Center for Regulatory Effectiveness has filed a petition to compel the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to halt DMEPOS competitive bidding until it publishes financial s (more...)
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Better Cost Control in the Health Care Bill? - 12/17/2009
By David Leonhardt, New York Times Business Blog
This counts as good news for anyone worried that health reform does not yet do enough to control costs: (more...)
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House OKs measure delaying Medicare doc-pay cuts - 12/16/2009
Posted: December 16, 2009 - 2:00 pm EDT, Modern Healthcare
The House voted 395-34 to approve a fiscal 2010 defense appropriations bill that includes a measure to stave off Medicare physician payment cuts until March 2010.
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Several Bidders Reporting Issues with Competitive Bidding Program! Keep Making Your Calls! - 12/15/2009
Over the past several days, several bidders have contacted VGM to report issues with DBidS and the CBIC phone system. Bidders in every competitive bidding area have seen the online bidding syste (more...)
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Shut Down the Switchboard was a Success! Keep Making Your Calls! - 12/10/2009
Yesterday’s “Shut Down the Switchboard” event was a huge success! We’d like to thank all of you who participated, as initial estimates suggest that approximately 30,000 ca (more...)
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Reid Introduces Senate Health Care Package, Vote Set for Saturday - 11/24/2009
Wall Street Journal, November 19, 2009
WASHINGTON (Dow Jones)--Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, (D., Nev.) said Thursday that the Senate is poised to act on $848 billion health-care legislation, despite lingering uncertainty over whether (more...)
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Spotlight: Let the Wild Rumpus Begin - 11/24/2009
American Health Line, November 23, 2009
The Senate, on Saturday, voted 60-39 along party lines to pass a procedural motion on the chamber`s health reform bill, overcoming a GOP filibuster and clearing the legislation for floor debate. Th (more...)
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Updated PECOS Physician Letter Available - 11/24/2009
In response to yesterday’s CMS announcement of the delay of Phase 2 of PECOS implementation, VGM is offering to its members an updated version of the PECOS physician letter. DME suppliers m (more...)
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ALERT! Pelosi Releases Health Care Reform Bill - 10/29/2009
Earlier today, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) released a version of the health reform bill, H.R. 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act. The $894 billion health care package is r (more...)
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More Support Gained for H.R. 3790 – Keep the Momentum Going! - 10/23/2009
On Oct. 13, Congressman Kendrick Meek (D-Fla.) introduced H.R. 3790 to repeal the competitive bidding program for DME. At the time of its introduction, the bill already had 16 original cosponsors (more...)
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Senate Finance Releases Copy of its Health Reform Bill – DME Provisions Included - 10/20/2009
America’s Healthy Future Act of 2009
VGM has received a copy of the legislative language for the Senate Finance Committee’s (SFC) health reform bill, “America’s Health Future Act of 2009.” On Oct. 13, the co (more...)
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SFC Releases its Version of Health Reform Bill - 10/20/2009
DME Provisions Included
VGM has received a copy of the legislative language for the Senate Finance Committee’s (SFC) health reform bill, “America’s Health Future Act of 2009.” On Oct. 13, the com (more...)
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ALERT: Congressman Meek Introduces Legislation to Repeal Competitive Bidding, H.R. 3790 - 10/14/2009
The collective and tireless efforts of AAHomecare, AMEPA, CAMPS, FAHCS, NAIMES,
NCAMES, OAMES, PAMS, TAHCS, and VGM have led to its introduction. At the time the bill was (more...)
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ACTION ALERT: Support the Meek Bill to Repeal Competitive Bidding - 10/14/2009
Contact your Representative TODAY!
Thanks to the efforts of AMEPA, FAHCS, TAHCS, CAMPS, NAIMES, NCAMES, OAMES, PAMS, AAHomecare, and VGM, Congressman Kendrick Meek (D-Fla.) introduced H.R. 3790, a budget-neutral bill to repeal the DME (more...)
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Senate Finance Committee Chairman`s Health Care Reform Mark Up was Released Over the Weekend - 10/6/2009
VGM has received a copy of the Redline on the Senate Finance Committee’s Chairman’s Mark of the health care package. The bill is expected to be out of committee by Wednesday, and it (more...)
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CRE Launches DME Hotline - 10/2/2009
Brochures Move Patients to Act
In the Sept. 18 Legislative Update, VGM announced that the Center for Regulatory Effectiveness (CRE) is seeking input from Medicare patients who could be affected by the DME competitive bidding progra (more...)
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Senate Finance Committee Proposed Tax on Medical Device Manufacturers - 9/28/2009
CONTACT YOUR SENATORS TODAY!
The special announcement below comes from Invacare and discusses the Senate Finance Committee’s (SFC) proposed tax on medical device manufacturers. VGM encourages providers to contact their (more...)
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Senate Finance Chairman Max Baucus (D-MT) releases Finance Committee Health Care Document - 9/18/2009
Mark up to begin by week`s end. (more...)
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The CRE Requests Patients` Help to Fight Competitive Bidding - 9/18/2009
Order your Brochures TODAY!
For months, the Center for Regulatory Effectiveness (CRE), a “watchdog” organization, has been monitoring CMS’ recent activities with regard to the DME competitive bidding program, q (more...)
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Obama Rewinds Health Care Reform Debate - 9/10/2009
Homecare Magazine, 9/10/09
WASHINGTON — Can you trim enough fat from the health care system to pay for widespread health care reform? President Obama thinks so, mentioning “waste” four times in his mid-week he (more...)
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Senate Finance Committee Releases Framework of its Health Reform Bill - 9/8/2009
VGM received notice today that the Senate Finance Committee (SFC) has releases its framework for a health reform bill. For more information, please see the Washington Post article below. As VGM a (more...)
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Langevin Tries Again on `In the Home` Restriction - 8/3/2009
HomeCare Monday, August 3, 2009
Rep. James Langevin, D-R.I., and 12 other House members have introduced the Medicare Independent Living Act of 2009 (H.R. 3184). The proposed legislation would eliminate Medicare’s “in the (more...)
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First-Month Purchase Elimination Still in Play - 8/3/2009
HomeCare Monday, August 3, 2009
In the House version of the much-debated health care reform bill, elimination of the first-month purchase option for standard power wheelchairs is still in play, although complex rehab chairs in Group (more...)
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COMPETITIVE BIDDING ACTION ALERT - 7/29/2009
July 29, 2009
Reminder: Today is the final day for Congressional members to sign on to the letters from Congressman Kurt Shrader (D-Ore.) and Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). Please tak (more...)
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NO VOTE ON HEALTH CARE REFORM BILL BEFORE AUGUST RECESS - 7/24/2009
Schedule your Appointments NOW for the Recess
According to reports, Senate Democratic leaders have confirmed that the Senate will not vote on health care reform until after the August Recess. Meanwhile, in the House, Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif (more...)
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Accreditation Proposals Raise Eyebrows - 7/20/2009
HomeCare Monday, July 20, 2009
On Thursday, the Ways and Means Committee voted 23-18, mostly along party lines, in favor of the House health care reform bill, and the Labor and Education and Energy and Commerce committees were also (more...)
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State Leaders Express Concern with Provisions in Ross/Meek Oxygen Reform Bill - 7/20/2009
In recent updates to their members state leaders have expressed concern with provisions in the Ross/Meek Oxygen Reform Bill. The following are some of the messages that were sent. (more...)
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House Tri-Committees Release Updated Health Reform Draft Bill - 7/15/2009
Includes New Provisions for Oxygen, Power-Driven Wheelchairs, Surety Bonds, and Accreditation
Late yesterday, VGM notified providers that the House Tri-Committee released an 850-page draft of a Health Care Reform bill. According to its review, the text included a provision to elimin (more...)
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Senate HELP Committe Releases Initial Health Reform Draft Bill - 7/15/2009
The Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee (HELP) has just released its initial draft bill on health care reform. VGM is currently analyzing the text of the bill, but at this ti (more...)
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Senator Wyden to Send Letter to Sebelius on Competitive Bidding - 7/15/2009
Ask your Senators to Sign On!
Thanks to the efforts of Care Medical in Portland, Oregon, Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) will be releasing a letter to HHS Secretary Sebelius that addresses concerns about the competitive bidding program.&n (more...)
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THIS JUST IN! House Releases Health Care Reform Bill - 7/14/2009
The House Tri-Committee, which includes the Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce; and Labor Health and Human Services, has just released its version of the health care reform bill. While the actua (more...)
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Energy and Commerce Sends Notice of Markup and Revised Legislation - 7/10/2009
The Energy and Commerce has released a notice regarding markup and revised legislation. Many have indicated the delay stems from a letter sent last evening (July 9) by 40 members of the Blue Dog (more...)
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Everyone is Talking “Health Reform” - 7/2/2009
Is Your Voice Being Heard?
This week, members of Congress are in their home districts for the Independence Day Recess discussing the health reform issue with their constituents at local events such as town hall meetings. (more...)
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REMINDER: Continue Posting on the CRE Web site! - 7/1/2009
More comments from affected parties gives more stature
Recently, VGM sent information about the Center for Regulatory Effectiveness (CRE) Web site and urged providers and their beneficiaries to provide comments on such things as competitive bidding and th (more...)
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Ways and Means Releases Draft of Health Reform Bill - 6/30/2009
Contact your Legislators During the Independence Day Recess!
The House Ways and Means Committee has released its draft version of a health care reform bill, which includes a provision that would require physicians who prescribe durable medical equipment to be & (more...)
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Ways and Means Releases Draft of Health Reform Bill - 6/30/2009
Contact your Legislators During the Independence Day Recess!
The House Ways and Means Committee has released its draft version of a health care reform bill, which includes a provision that would require physicians who prescribe durable medical equipment to be & (more...)
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Democrats Reform Plan Hits PWC Purchase Option - 6/25/2009
HomeCare Monday
House Democrats revealed a draft version of their health care reform bill on Friday, and while the massive 852-page proposal would cover nearly all Americans, it lacked two major components: a price t (more...)
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Research Predicts Fall of “Mom/Pop Entities" if Senate Finance Succeeds with Proposed Oxygen Cuts - 6/25/2009
ACTION ALERT: Contact your Members of Congress!
According to an analysis from the Deutsche Bank Global Markets, Lincare is predicted to be the “only respiratory service provider capable of surviving the 30 percent-plus cut” that is bein (more...)
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Important Information Regarding the Center for Regulatory Effectiveness (CRE) - 6/19/2009
Yesterday, VGM met with the state leaders to discuss efforts led by the Center for Regulatory Effectiveness (CRE) to defeat or reform CMS’s competitive bidding program. The meeting with th (more...)
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INDUSTRY NEEDS YOUR IMMEDIATE ACTION DO NOT DELAY! - 6/17/2009
The Center for Reulatory Effectiveness (CRE) Seeks Comments on DME Issues
The Center for Regulatory Effectiveness (CRE) is seeking comments on issues that are currently affecting the DME industry. On its Web site (CBO recently released their figures on the cost of health care reform (see second article below), which could cost up to $1 trillion in over 10 years. Because of their figures, it is likely that (more...)
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HOPP Act Gains Additional Co-Sponsors - 6/9/2009
Keep Contacting Your Representative to get More Support!
Because of efforts made during both the Memorial Day Recess and last week’s AAHomecare Legislative Conference, H.R. 2373, the Home Oxygen Patient Protection (HOPP) Act of 2009, (more...)
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TENTATIVE Timeline of the House Health Care Reform Proposal Released - 6/9/2009
Wanting to keep the DME industry aware, Congressman Braley’s (D-Iowa) staff notified VGM of a tentative timeline for the House Health Care Reform proposal. The timeline may be found (more...)
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Competitive Bidding Round 1.2 to Begin in January 2011 - 6/4/2009
TENTATIVE Timeline Announced
Today, VGM`s Mark Higley, vice-president of development and John Gallagher, vice-president of government relations, attended the Program Advisory and Oversight Committee (PAOC) meeting for t (more...)
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ACTION ALERT! - 6/2/2009
Contact your Congressional Members THIS WEEK
Providers, along with their employees, families, and beneficiaries are reminded to contact their Congressional members this week to get our message conveyed! More than 300 DME industry (more...)
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Critical Battle Ahead on NCB - 6/1/2009
From HomeCare Monday, June 1, 2009
Cara Bachenheimer is swift to identify the top three issues for the home medical equipment industry: “Competitive bidding.” (more...)
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Not going to the Hill this week for the AAH Legislative Conference? - 6/1/2009
Then make your calls from home!
Providers and their employees, family, and beneficiaries must contact their members of Congress this week to add to the efforts the industry is making on the Hill! If you are not traveling to D. (more...)
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Boucher Agrees to Support HR 2373 - 5/28/2009
Have you contacted your representative? (more...)
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HR 2373: Keep Contacting your Representatives! - 5/28/2009
HOPP Act Needs More Cosponsors
The Memorial Day Recess is not quite over. Members of Congress will not return to the Hill until June 1. Continue to contact your representative to ask for support of HR 2373! (more...)
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ACTION ALERT: Contact your Congressional Members While They are Home for the Memorial Day Recess! - 5/27/2009
Providers, along with their employees and beneficiaries should contact their representative and senators while they are home for the Memorial Day Recess. Members of Congress are not expecte (more...)
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Attorney General Holder and HHS Secretary Sebelius Announce New Interagency Health Care Fraud Prevention and Enforcement Action Team - 5/20/2009
Attorney General Eric Holder and Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius today announced the creation of a new interagency effort, the Health Care Fraud Prevention and Enforcement (more...)
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ACTION ALERT - 5/20/2009
Contact your House Members Today to Cosponsor H.R. 2373!
DO NOT DELAY! (more...)
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GAMES and NCAMES` Close Work with Price and Shuler Leads to New HOPP Act - 5/13/2009
ACTION ALERT!
Thanks to the efforts the Georgia Association of Medical Equipment Services (GAMES) and the North Carolina Association for Medical Equipment Services (NCAMES), Congressmen Tom Price (R-Ga.) and Health (more...)
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Senators Get STOP Act Started Again - 5/11/2009
HomeCare Monday, May 11, 2009
Sens. Mel Martinez, R-Fla., and John Cornyn, R-Texas, are trying again with the STOP Act and an accompanying bill aimed at preventing and stopping Medicare and Medicaid fraud. (more...)
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Senate Panel Examines Medicare Payment Proposal - 4/30/2009
American Health Line, April 29, 2009
Senators Max Baucus (D-Mont.) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) released a 48-page document outlining their health care reform proposal. In it, they discuss home health agencies and propose that the S (more...)
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Senate confirms Sebelius as HHS secretary - 4/29/2009
Matthew DoBias, Modern Healthcare, 4/28/09
Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius beat back questions over taxes and her ties to a doctor who performs late-term abortions to win confirmation to the nation’s top healthcare post on a 65-31Senate vo (more...)
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AAHomecare: Consider 13-Point Fraud Prevention Plan--Please! - 4/27/2009
HomeCare Monday, April 27, 2009
On April 21, HME Expo attendees marched on Capitol Hill as industry advocates, voicing their concerns on competitive bidding and the oxygen cap. (more...)
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CMS Will Move Forward with April 18 Effective Date of Competitive Bidding Final Rule - 4/22/2009
In spite of Congressional pressure to halt the final rule for competitive bidding, CMS has stated that it will move forward with the April 18 effective date of the final rule. The following (more...)
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Grassley Supports Rescission of Competitive Bidding Final Rule - 4/22/2009
Last week, Senate Finance ranking member Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) sent a letter to HHS Acting Secretary Charles Johnson expressing his "continuing concerns" about CMS` implementation of the (more...)
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Populist Caucus Chair Supports Competitive Bidding Delay - 4/16/2009
Rep. Braley (D-Iowa) Supports Competitive Bidding Delay
Populist Caucus Chairman Bruce Braley (D-Iowa) supports a delay in the competitive bidding program. In an April 14 letter to White House Office of Health Reform Director Nancy-Ann DeParle, the c (more...)
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Sutton Letter Signed by 83 Members - 4/16/2009
Thanks to the efforts of DME providers and industry stakeholders, 83 House members joined Congresswoman Betty Sutton (D-Oh.) in a letter addressed to the HHS Acting Secretary, CMS Acting Administrator (more...)
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VGM Sends Letter to Congressman Braley Asking for Language to Delay Competitive Bidding included in Health Care Reform Package - 4/14/2009
ACTION ALERT: Contact your representative and ask that they do the same!
Yesterday, VGM sent a letter to Rep. Bruce Braley (D-Iowa) asking him to work with Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee Chairman Frank Pallone (D-N.J.) to include language to delay the durable medi (more...)
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Action Alert: Contact Your Congressmen and Ask for Their Support in Rescinding Competitive Bidding - 4/13/2009
The Deadline to Sign-On has been Extended
The deadline for Congressmen to sign onto the House competitive bidding letter has been extended. House offices now have until Tuesday, April 14, at 12 noon to add their support to Rep. Betty S (more...)
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HHS Nominee Calls for Health Care Fraud Crackdown - 4/9/2009
By RICARDO ALONSO-ZALDIVAR, March 31, 2009
Saying she`d be a tough enforcer, President Barack Obama`s choice to head the Health and Human Services Department on Tuesday called for a crackdown on medical fraud as part of any health care overhau (more...)
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VGM Hosts Grassley Fundraiser - 4/8/2009
WATERLOO, Iowa – Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, was the guest of honor Tuesday evening at a fundraiser at the home of Van G. Miller, CEO of The VGM Group, Inc. (more...)
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REMINDER: Grassley Fundraiser is TODAY! - 4/7/2009
Join VGM and other Stakeholders!
Join VGM and other industry stakeholders for this important event! The industry may not have another chance to meet with the Senate`s "number two guy" to fix the ca (more...)
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MAMES and VGM Attend the Regional Health Care Forum in Iowa - 3/27/2009
NCAMES Will Be Represented at North Carolina Forum
On Monday, March 23, 2009, MAMES/VGM members Julie Weidemann, director of Palmer Home Medical Supply and Matt Flatt of Hammer Medical attended the “Iowa White House Forum on Health Reform” (more...)
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Senate Finance Subcommittee to Address Competitive Bidding in a Hearing - 3/13/2009
AA Homecare has reported that Sen. John Rockefeller (D-W.Va.) plans to hold a hearing on competitive bidding for home medical equipment before his Health Subcommittee of the Senate Finance Committee o (more...)
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ACTION ALERT: Call the Capitol and the Obama Administration - 3/9/2009
Let them know that DME is the solution – not the problem!
Congress and the president are looking to overhaul and reform the U.S. health care system. On Thursday, March 5, the president hosted a White House forum on health care where he indicated that h (more...)
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ACTION ALERT: Attend the Forum in Your Area - 3/9/2009
White House to Hold Health Care Forums across U.S.
Following last week’s White House Health Care summit, the Obama Administration has announced that it will hold regional health care forums across the United States (see Reuters article be (more...)
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Obama Picks Sebelius, Deparle to Oversee Health Reform - 3/4/2009
By George E. Condon, Jr., CongressDaily, 3/2/09
Girding for a titanic struggle to overhaul the nation`s healthcare system, President Obama this morning officially named the two women he expects to lead the effort he has called critical to reducing (more...)
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Chairman Baucus Seeks to Offset Healthcare Overhaul - 3/4/2009
By Anna Edney,CongressDaily, 3/3/09
Senate Finance Chairman Max Baucus changed course on how to pay for universal health coverage today, telling reporters this morning that healthcare overhaul legislation would be fully offset. "We (more...)
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OBAMA TO TARGET HOME HEALTH AND COVER DOCS! - 3/2/2009
The following two articles discuss President Obama’s 2010 budget proposal that targets home health in order to "implement comprehensive health reforms." The DME industry shou (more...)
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Industry Efforts Garners 123 Co-Signers on Price-Ross-Shuler-Emerson Oxygen Letter - 2/26/2009
(more...)
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ACTION ALERT: Contact Your Congressmen to Repeal the Cap - 2/23/2009
Almost 60 Signers on Oxygen Letter - MORE ARE NEEDED!
Call for Support for the 36 Month Cap to be Repealed (more...)
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Chairman Shuler Calls for an End to Competitive Bidding - 2/12/2009
During today’s House Small Business Committee hearing on competitive bidding, Subcommittee on Rural Development, Entrepreneurship and Trade Chairman Heath Shuler (D-N.C.) called for an end to co (more...)
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House Small Business Committee Hearing is TODAY - 2/11/2009
NCAMES Works with Congressman Shuler to Hold Small Business Hearing about Competitive Bidding
Thanks to the efforts of NCAMES, a House Small Business Committee hearing to address competitive bidding has been set for Wednesday, Feb. 11 at 10 am EST. Providers are stron (more...)
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Daschle Withdraws as Nominee for Health Post - 2/3/2009
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, 2/3/09
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Tom Daschle has withdrawn his nomination to be Health and Human Services secretary. (more...)
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Grassley Introduces Bill that Exempts Rural Areas from Competitive Bidding - 1/28/2009
Sen. Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) has announced the introduction of his bill, the Medicare Rural Health Access Improvement Act of 2009, S. 318. According to his statements, this legislation would & (more...)
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Grassley Introduces Bill that Exempts Rural Areas from Competitive Bidding - 1/28/2009
Sen. Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) has announced the introduction of his bill, the Medicare Rural Health Access Improvement Act of 2009, S. 318. According to his statements, this legislation would & (more...)
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VGM Requests Braley to Send Letter to Daschle asking for a Rescission of Final Rule for Competitive Bidding - 1/26/2009
Today, VGM sent a letter to Congressman Bruce Braley (D-Iowa) requesting him to send a letter to Secretary-designate Tom Daschle that urges him to rescind the interim final rule for competitive biddin (more...)
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Mother`s Day Meeting with Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen - 1/22/2009
By Rob Brandt, President of Accredited Medical Equipment Providers of America, Inc. (AMEPA)
Some people spend their Mother’s Day enjoying the company of t (more...)
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ACTION ALERT! - 1/22/2009
Contact your Representative TODAY!
NCAMES member Heath Sutton with Mountaineer Oxygen Services; NCAMES/VGM member Casey Hite with Aeroflow; and MAMES/VGM member Juli (more...)
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DME INDUSTRY RALLIES ONE MORE TIME FOR VOTE EXPECTED ON LATE TUESDAY OR WEDNESDAY - 1/22/2009
The DME industry must rally one more time by going to the phones or sending faxes to their Republican senators, urging them to support (more...)
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THE NOISE LEVEL IN CONGRESS IS RAISING
Be sure you’re adding your voice to the noise! - 1/22/2009
The Senate will vote once again for cloture on the House Medicare package, H.R. 6331, as early as Wednesday, July 9. A cloture v (more...)
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Secretary Leavitt sends a hatchet op-ed piece to the Wall Street Journal - 1/22/2009
In an effort to silence DME providers and beneficiaries we serve, Secretary Leavitt sent a scathing op-ed piece to the WSJ. His attacks co (more...)
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WE WON!
Clarification on the Senate Cloture Vote on H.R. 6331 - 1/22/2009
The cloture vote on H.R. 6331that passed today by 69-30 means that based on a ruling, the actual bill itself did pass (see story below).
H.R. 6331, The Medicare "doc fix" (more...)
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We Won the Battle
But Not the War - 1/22/2009
While the DME industry has won a huge battle, providers should be reminded that the war is not over.
< (more...)
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Here We Go! The President to Veto H.R. 6331, the “doc fix” as Early as Tuesday - 1/22/2009
Continue to contact your legislators to ask that they vote to override the president’s veto. If Bush vetoes the bill tomorrow, the House could vote to overrid (more...)
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This is It! - 1/22/2009
Call your Legislators: 202-224-3121
Bush Vetoes H.R. 6331
(more...)
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House Will Vote to Override Veto at 3:30 PM EDT - 1/22/2009
The House is meeting RIGHT NOW consider the Veto Override of H.R. 6331 - Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008.
N (more...)
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HOUSE OVERRIDES PRESIDENT BUSH`S VETO 383-41 - 1/22/2009
At approximately 4:50 PM EDT, the House voted to override the president`s veto on H.R. 6331 - the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 200 (more...)
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WE WON – CONGRATULATIONS! SENATE OVERRIDES PRESIDENT BUSH`S VETO 70-26 - 1/22/2009
Late this afternoon, the Senate voted to override the president`s veto of H.R. 6331 - the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 - by an (more...)
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STOP Act Aims to Curb Medicare Fraud - 1/22/2009
WASHINGTON--In a Senate conference on Monday, Sens. Mel Martinez, R-Fla., and John Cornyn, R-Texas, discussed the need for the federal gover (more...)
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CONGRESS RECOGNIZES CMS INCOMPETENCE - 1/22/2009
(AARP Bulletin Today, 8/12/08, Jay Weaver)
- AARP ARTICLE THAT IS BOTH POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE TOWARDS DME AND CONGRESS’ EFFORTS TO REIN IN FRAUD
- SENATOR GRASS
(more...)
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TAKE ACTION: Providers and Beneficiaries - Make a Wave Now! - 1/16/2009
Providers are urged to make a wave and get their voices heard on the Hill. Congressional members such as Reps. Brian Higgins (D-N.Y.), Tom Price (R-Ga.) and Bruce Braley (D-Iowa) have state (more...)
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Congressman Bruce Braley Joins VGM and Providers for Community Health Care Discussion - 1/12/2009
By Carolyn Cole, Vice president-corporate communications, VGM Group, Inc.
Congressman Bruce Braley (D-Iowa) braved blizzard conditions in his hometown to attend a town hall discussion on health care at VGM Group, Inc., headquarters Mo (more...)
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Congressman Bruce Braley will Attend Community Health Care Discussion at VGM on January 12 - 1/9/2009
REMINDER: Community Health Care Discussion is Monday, Jan. 12
VGM is pleased to announce that Rep. Bruce Braley (D-IA) (pictured with VGM COO Jim Phillips) will be attending the rescheduled community discussion on health care on Monday, Jan. (more...)
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Senate Democrats Look to Include SCHIP Legislation in Stimulus Package - 1/7/2009
According to a report from the Kaiser Network (see below), the Senate Democrats are looking to add SCHIP legislation to an economic stimulus package. The advantage to this is that (more...)
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NOTICE: COMMUNITY HEALTH CARE DISCUSSION RESCHEDULED - 1/2/2009
The community discussion on health care has been rescheduled from Jan. 5 to Monday, Jan. 12 at 10:30 am. Originally scheduled for Dec. 19, the event was postponed to Jan. 5 because of inclement weath (more...)
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Update and Instructions on How to Submit Comments about CMS` Final Rules for Oxygen Payments - 12/31/2008
Submit Your Comments Today!
NOTE: SUBMIT YOUR OXYGEN CAP COMMENTS TODAY! To date, a minimal number of comments have been submitted. It is imperative that CMS hear from all industry stakeholders. (more...)
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CMS` DMEPOS Surety Bond Final Rule Published - 12/29/2008
CMS has released its Final Rule regarding the DMEPOS Surety Bond. VGM is currently reviewing the 206-page document, and will provide a summation of provisions in the very near future. (more...)
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Oxygen cap: Industry pumps up efforts - 12/23/2008
By Theresa Flaherty, Managing Editor, HME News
Two "dear colleague" letters that ask CMS to delay the 36-month oxygen cap were making the rounds among departing lawmakers last week. (more...)
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Senators Send Letter to CMS Requesting Oxygen Cap Delay - 12/23/2008
Last Friday, seven senators sent a letter to CMS Acting Administrator Kerry Weems requesting CMS to “revise and, if necessary, delay the final rule” for oxygen payments. (more...)
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Call for Cap Delay Grows as Senators Write CMS - 12/22/2008
HomeCare Monday, December 22, 2008
A contingent of seven Republican senators on Friday called on CMS Acting Administrator Kerry Weems to “revise and, if necessary, delay” the Jan. 1 implementation of the 36-month oxygen rental cap.
(more...)
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SBA Backs O2 Providers on Cap Complaints - 12/22/2008
HomeCare Monday, December 22, 2008
On Wednesday, the Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy filed comments with CMS asking that the agency do a better job analyzing the economic impacts of the 36-month O2 cap on s (more...)
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Shuler-Price Letter Receives 90-plus Signatures - 12/22/2008
Thanks to the efforts of DME providers, state associations and industry stakeholders, the Shuler-Price letter to CMS requesting a delay of the new payment rules for oxygen received over 90 signatures (more...)
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Join VGM in a community health care discussion in Waterloo, Iowa on Friday, Dec. 19. - 12/19/2008
According to President-elect Barack Obama’s transition Web site (www.change.gov), Obama has made health care a “top priority” and is asking for Americans to (more...)
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TAKE ACTION NOW! Senator Roberts to Send Letter to CMS - 12/19/2008
Because of the efforts of the Midwest Association of Medical Equipment Services (MAMES), Sen. Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) is sending a letter, similar to the Shuler-Price letter to CMS, asking for a delay in (more...)
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Community Health Care Discusssion to be Held at VGM January 5th - 12/19/2008
Due to the weather, the community discussion on health care has been rescheduled for Monday, Jan. 5 at 10:30 am. VGM thanks those who had made plans to attend and apologizes for the inconvenience. (more...)
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SBA Agrees with AMEPA and other Industry Stakeholders - 12/19/2008
Oxygen Payment Rules Do Not Comply with Regulatory Flexibility Act (more...)
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Obama Sets the Stage for Health Care Reform - 12/15/2008
The rebuilding of the nation’s health care structure will be led by former South Dakota Sen. Tom Daschle in a dual role as secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services and director of the (more...)
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CMS Offers Written Clarification on Accreditation Exemptions - 12/11/2008
MIPPA section 154(b) added a new subparagraph (F) to section 1834(a)(20) of the Social Security Act. This subparagraph states that eligible professionals and other persons are exempt from meeting t (more...)
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ACTION ALERT: Pelosi Announces Government Reform Chair and Other Committee Memberships - 12/11/2008
House speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) has announced new House committee members. Providers are urged to contact these members of Congress to both congratulate them and attempt to set up meetings with (more...)
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Congressman Shuler sends letter to Protect Home Oxygen Suppliers - 12/11/2008
Congressman Heath Shuler (D-NC) has sent a letter to his colleagues on the Hill, asking them to join him in sending a request to CMS to refrain from implementing the new payment rules for oxygen. (more...)
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TAKE ACTION NOW: Price Joins Shuler on “Dear Colleague” Letter to Delay New Payment Rules - 12/11/2008
In the Dec. 10 Legislative Update, VGM urged all providers to contact their representatives to ask them to sign on to Congressman Heath Shuler’s (D-NC) letter to CMS requesting a d (more...)
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OIG Opens the Door on DME-Hospital Closet Deals - 12/8/2008
HomeCare Monday, December 8, 2008
The Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Inspector General, in an advisory opinion issued Nov. 19, gave the go to two HME providers to place equipment in hospital supply closets and have (more...)
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CMS Representative Recommends Providers Contact Their Congressman - 12/8/2008
On Dec. 8, many providers and industry stakeholders tuned into the CIGNA “Ask the Contractors Teleconference” (ACT) that addressed the new oxygen regulations. CMS’ Joel Kaiser joined listeners on the (more...)
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Medicare Web Site Posts Questions and Answers - 12/1/2008
Medicare has addressed beneficiaries’ concerns regarding the new payment rules for oxygen in the frequently asked questions (FAQs) section of the Web site. The following is a list (more...)
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Some Surprises as Oxygen Payment Rates are Released - 11/26/2008
CMS this week released new information regarding oxygen equipment and contents payment rates for 2009. As most providers are aware, the Medicare Improvements for Patient (more...)
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Sen. Wyden, 14 Other Senators Send Letter to President-Elect Obama Touting Healthy Americans Act - 11/25/2008
Kaiser Network, 11/24/08
Rep. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and 14 co-sponsors of Wyden`s Healthy Americans Act (S 334) on Friday sent a letter to President-elect Barack Obama asking him to consider the plan as a model for universal hea (more...)
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Overhauling Health Care System "Integral" to Economic Recovery Effort, President-Elect Obama Says - 11/25/2008
Kaiser Network, 11/25/08
VGM NOTE: As the story below eludes, a health care overhaul package will be sold to the American public as an “integral” part to the economic recovery effort. Because of (more...)
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ACTION ALERT! - 11/24/2008
Election season is over and it is time once again to start contacting your Congressional members! The Senate Democrats are making plans to “overhaul” the health (more...)
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HME Advocates Hopeful about Daschle’s HHS Leadership - 11/24/2008
From HomeCare Monday
In a move that sparked some cautious optimism among home medical equipment stakeholders, President-elect Barack Obama last week named former Sen. Tom Daschle of South Dakota to head up the Department (more...)
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Industry Girds for Battle over Oxygen Regs - 11/24/2008
From HomeCare Monday
Last week CMS issued a special edition MLN Matters article explaining changes in Medicare payment for oxygen that brought a fresh outcry from HME advocates about the new rules and provider responsibil (more...)
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SOURCE: DASCHLE TO RUN HHS - 11/20/2008
Hill Briefs, 11/19/08
White House - Former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle is President-elect Obama`s choice to be HHS secretary, a source close to Daschle said today. Daschle, an early backer of Obama`s candidacy, has
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Baucus Plan: Kudos and Cautions - 11/17/2008
HomeCare Monday, November17, 2008
Signaling the new Congress’ intention to tackle the issue of health care early on next year, Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., last week unveiled a comprehensive reform plan that drew both kudos and cautions (more...)
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RACs Ready to Rack Up Improper Payments - 11/17/2008
HomeCare Monday, November 17, 2008
CMS held a Special Open Door Forum Thursday to introduce its new Recovery Audit Contractors, tabbed in October to ferret out Medicare overpayments and underpayments. The RACs will be paid a contingenc (more...)
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For HME Providers, Medicare Home Sleep Testing Bites the Dust - 11/17/2008
HomeCare Monday, November 17, 2008
Along with a slew of new oxygen payment rules, Medicare`s 2009 Physician Fee Schedule put the final nail in the Medicare home sleep testing coffin for HME providers. (more...)
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REMINDER! - 11/10/2008
The “Lunch Bucket” is tomorrow at 12:30 pm CST
Join VGM’s John Gallagher, Mark Higley and Bob Hoffman for “lunch” and listen in as they discuss the new payment rules for oxygen that CMS released last week. The three will al (more...)
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Impact of Obama, New Congress a Question Mark for HME - 11/10/2008
HomeCare Monday, November 10, 2008
Last week’s election of Sen. Barack Obama as the next president of the United States and a stream of new Democrats in both the House of Representatives and the Senate could bode well for the home medi (more...)
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The Oxygen Payment Rules and Supplier Responsibilities Required by the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (MIPPA): - 11/4/2008
Summary, Analysis and Commentary from Industry Stakeholders
Compiled by Mark J. Higley
Vice President – Development
VGM Group, Inc. (more...)
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More Cuts in 2009? - 11/3/2008
From HME Today Friday Report
Panelists in Atlanta (pictured) this week agreed that despite a 9.5% cut for many products on Jan 1, 2009, HME could still be a ripe target for reimbursement cuts in the (more...)
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Get Them Before They Go Back to D.C. - 11/3/2008
From HME Today Friday Report
VGM’s John Gallagher hammered a familiar theme this week, telling Medtrade attendees that regardless of who wins next week’s election, providers must establish contact with members of Congress, and pr (more...)
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JOIN Monty Lankford at MEDTRADE! - 10/22/2008
An invitation to join VGM at Medtrade in support of Monty Lankford. (more...)
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VGM Hosts Successful Fundraiser for Congressman Braley - 10/17/2008
The VGM PAC, along with the AAHomecare PAC, Cara Bachenheimer of Invacare, Van Miller of VGM, and Jim Walsh of VGM, hosted a fundraising reception for Congressman Bruce Braley at VGM Headq (more...)
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RESCHEDULED: Congressman Braley Reception - 10/14/2008
The Fundraising Event Honoring
Congressman Bruce Braley (D-Iowa)
has been Rescheduled (more...)
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U.S. Supreme Court Sides with CMS in Maximum Comfort Case - 10/14/2008
HomeCare Monday, October 14, 2008
The U.S. Supreme Court refused last week to review an appeals court decision that further documentation beyond a CMN could be required for Medicare to pay a claim for a power wheel (more...)
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CMS Rolls Out Host of New Anti-Fraud Measures - 10/13/2008
HomeCare Monday, October 13, 2008
On Oct. 6, CMS unveiled a host of “aggressive new steps” to prevent fraud and abuse, including the launch of a national recovery audit contractor (RAC) program. (more...)
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CMS Enhances Program Integrity Efforts to Fight Fraud, Waste and Abuse in Medicare - 10/8/2008
From CMS Office of Media Affairs, 10/6/08
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) today announced aggressive new steps to find and prevent waste, fraud and abuse in Medicare. CMS is working closer with beneficiaries and providers; (more...)
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CMS Conference on DMEPOS Quality Standards - 10/7/2008
On October 14, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will conduct an on-site conference that will provide guidance to the DMEPOS suppliers on how to comply with the DMEPOS (more...)
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Fundraising Event for Congressman Braley is POSTPONED - 10/1/2008
VGM would like to inform its members that due to circumstances beyond our control, today`s fundraising event honoring Congressman Bruce Braley (D-Iowa) has been postponed. VGM wil (more...)
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CMS Calls for PAOC Nominees - 10/1/2008
A HomeCare Monday Special Alert, Wednesday, October 1
Earlier this afternoon, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services issued the following notice soliciting nominees for panel members to serve on the Program Advisory and Oversight Commit (more...)
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Medicare Spending Billions of Dollars on Questionable Claims for Medical Equipment, Report Finds - 9/25/2008
KaiserNetwork, 9/24/08
CMS in recent years has paid more than $1 billion in questionable Medicare claims for medical equipment with minimal or no relation to the conditions of beneficiaries, according to a report released o (more...)
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Join VGM in Supporting Monty Lankford - 9/24/2008
Monty Lankford (R-TN) is running for the United States Congress (more...)
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JOIN OUR EFFORTS IN SUPPORTING AN INDUSTRY CHAMPION! - 9/24/2008
VGM to Host Fundraising Event for Congressman Braley
The VGM PAC, along with the AAHomecare PAC, Cara Bachenheimer of Invacare, Van Miller of VGM, and Jim Walsh of VGM will host a fundraising event honoring Congressman Bruce Braley (D-IA). (more...)
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Thank You to Those Who Joined John Gallagher for the Luch Bucket - 9/19/2008
VGM sincerely apologizes for the technical difficulties you may have encountered in attempting to view the Lunch Bucket. Rest assured, we will conduct another Lunch Bucket in the very near (more...)
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Emergency Declarations in the Wake of Gustav, Ike - 9/16/2008
HHS has delcared Public Health Emergency and released Waiver of Modification Requirements for both Hurricanes Gustav and Ike. (more...)
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Senate Passes ADA Amendments Act - 9/16/2008
From HomeCare Monday
On Thursday, the Senate unanimously approved a bill that would clarify the intent of the Americans with Disabilities Act and “ensure that all Americans with disabilities are protected from discriminat (more...)
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VGM to Host Fundraising Event for Congressman Braley - 9/9/2008
The VGM PAC, along with the AAHomecare PAC, Cara Bachenheimer of Invacare, Van Miller of VGM, and Jim Walsh of VGM will host a fundraising event honoring Congressman Bruce Braley (D-IA). Th (more...)
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Whistle-blowers help US recoup $9.3 billion - 9/3/2008
Associated Press, By Kevin Freking
Whistle-blowers helped authorities recover at least $9.3 billion from health care providers accused of defrauding states and the federal government, according to an analysis of Justice Department reco (more...)
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Senator urges review of Medicare payment errors - 8/27/2008
By Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, Aug. 27, 2008
The ranking Republican on the Senate Finance Committee overseeing Medicare has demanded a ``full accounting`` of how the agency underestimated (more...)
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Report Faults Medicare Audits - 8/26/2008
The Washington Post, August 26, 2008, by Christopher Lee
The rate of improper payments, including fraud, in Medicare`s purchases of wheelchairs and other home medical equipment is significantly higher than the government has estimated, according to a federa (more...)
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NCB ‘Round 1.2’ in the Works - 8/25/2008
HomeCare Monday, August 25, 2008
According to press reports, Joel Kaiser, CMS’ Deputy director of DMEPOS policy, told members of the Practicing Physicians Advisory Council the agency is busy planning the ramp-up of national (more...)
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Investigators call for more audits of drug plans` fraud fighting efforts - 8/25/2008
Orlando Sentinel, August 22, 2008
By Kevin Freking, Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) _ Nearly three years into the Medicare drug benefit, federal officials have yet to ensure t (more...)
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Medicare’s Claims - 8/22/2008
The New York Times Editorial, August 22, 2008
Medicare is an enormously popular and effective insurance program for older Americans that faces a daunting array of financial problems. Its escalating costs threaten to devour frightening amounts of (more...)
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Report Rejects Medicare Boast of Paring Fraud - 8/21/2008
From The New York Times, by Charles Duhigg
Medicare’s top officials said in 2006 that they had reduced the number of fraudulent and improper claims paid by the agency, keeping billions of dollars out of the hands of people trying to (more...)
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Legislative Update - August 20, 2008 - 8/20/2008
CMS Special Open Door Forum: DMEPOS Accreditation - MIPPA 2008 Guidance
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
2pm-3:30 pm Eastern Daylight Time
Conference Call Only (more...)
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GAO Report on DME Fraud Points Finger at CMS - 8/15/2008
(Homecare Monday, August 11, 2008)
WASHINGTON--Strong words from the Government Accountability Office are again focused on DME fraud--but this time, the blame is not falling solely on providers but rather on CMS and (more...)
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Follow-Up to Lunch Bucket - 8/4/2008
Call to Action - Support HR 6252 / S 3144
Keep making those calls to support HR 6252/S 3144
U.S. Capitol Switchboard - (202) 224-3121 (more...)
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Senate Republicans To Begin Campaign Against Medicare Fraud - 7/29/2008
(Kaiser Network, 7/28/08)
Senate Republicans have begun "piecing together a crusade" against Medicare fraud in an effort to make the issue an impo (more...)
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Suppliers Report Problems in the New Competitive Bidding Program - 7/3/2008
VGM members have begun to report various incidents relating to the implementation of competitive bidding this week. (See “CALL TO ACTION”, below.) (more...)
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CMS Goes Full Speed Ahead! - 7/2/2008
CMS has notified both the House and the Senate that they will move forward with the (more...)
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We lost the skirmish - not the battle and certainly not the war. - 6/27/2008
We haven’t lost! This morning, CEO and founder of the VGM Group, Inc. Van M (more...)
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Lunch Bucket Follow Up - 6/26/2008
CONTINUE CONTACTING YOUR MEMBERS OF CONGRESS!
Those who missed the June 18 “Lunch Bucket with John Gallagher,” may view a recording of the Webcast beginning June 19 at www.vgm (more...)
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Keep Up the Pressure in the Senate! - 6/26/2008
Keep Up the Pressure in the Senate!
Contact your senators today and urge them to oppose the additional cuts to oxygen!
US Capitol Switchboard: 202-224-3121 (more...)
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Today is the Vote - 6/26/2008
The senate will vote on cloture, which is a method of closing a debate and causing an immediate vote to be taken. If the vote to end the debate is successful, Senate Majority Leader Harry R (more...)
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This Just In... Your Calls are Having an Effect, Don`t Let Up Now! - 6/26/2008
The Democratic Leadership has just announced that the cloture vote on HR 6331 will take place tonight at around midnight. A cloture vote (requires 60 votes to pass) will end the debate and (more...)
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HR 6331 Passes House! - 6/25/2008
We`re Halfway to a Full Delay of Competitive Bidding
The Senate Finance Committee is close to finalizing their version of the “doc fix,” which could be voted as early as tomorrow. While the Baucus-Gr (more...)
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Rangel, Dingell introduce H.R. 6331 - The Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 - 6/24/2008
NOTE: HR 6331, The Medicare Improv (more...)
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VGM SUPPORTS EFFORTS TO DELAY COMPETITIVE BIDDING! - 6/18/2008
The following is a note from Ron Bendell, president of VGM & Associates and John Gallagher, vice-presiden (more...)
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Baucus Agrees to Add 18-month Delay to Competitive Bidding to “Doc Fix” - 6/12/2008
On Wednesday, June 11, Chairman Max Baucus, D-Mont. agreed to include the 18-month delay of the competitive bidding program into his “doc fix” bill (more...)
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Lawsuit to Challenge Competitive Bidding Filed in Texas - 6/12/2008
A lawsuit to challenge the Competitive Bidding Program for DME was filed on June 11, 2008 in the federal court in Dallas, Texas. Funded by Last Chance for Patient Choice, the lawsu (more...)
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Members of the House Sends “Dear Colleague” Letter Urging a Delay in the Competitive Bidding Program - 6/4/2008
On June 2, 2008, Congressmen John Tanner, D-Tenn.; Dave Hobson, R-Oh.; and Jason Altmire, D-Penn., along with 132 co-signers sent a letter to the Ways and Means and the Ways and Means Health (more...)
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Highlights from the Small Business Hearing on You Tube - 5/29/2008
The Small Business Subcommittee on Urban and Rural Entrepreneurship hearing on Competitive Bidding that was held today earned a “favorable response” from the members of the (more...)
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URGENT! COMPETITIVE BIDDING UPDATE - 3/20/2008
CMS Announces New Payment Rates for Round 1
MEDICARE TO SAVE AVERAGE OF 26% FOR SOME DURABLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT, PROSTHETICS, ORTHOTICS, AND SUPPLIES (more...)
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Next 70 MSAs, Round Two Product Categories (Finally) Announced - 1/8/2008
CMS Office of Public Affairs Posts Media Release
CMS has announced the 70 Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) and eig (more...)
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Competitive Bidding Update: House Small Business Subcommittee Seeks CMS Delay - 12/13/2007
...until economic impact on small businesses can be assessed
"Dear Administrator Preston:
As members of the House Committee on Small Business, we are writing to request that you intervene with Centers for (more...)
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Dems Back To Square One After Omnibus Plan Scuttled - 12/11/2007
"If anybody thinks there`s any longer a chance for getting out of here by the 14th, they`re smoking something,"
Democratic leaders headed back to the drawing board this week on a massive spending bill covering every Cabinet agency except the Pentagon, after a White House veto threat this wee (more...)
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Action Alert - Call Members of Senate Finance and Ways & Means Today! - 12/5/2007
A Peeved Baucus Holds Up Provision On Renal Care ... MEDICARE PACKAGE TO BE COMPLETED THIS WEEK!
(more...)
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House SCHIP Supporters Standing Firm On Their Medicare Provisions - 9/7/2007
Provisions eliminate first-month purchase option for power wheelchairs and cap oxygen rental at 18 months
House leaders and the chief architects of a House children`s healthcare bill held firm Wednesday, insisting that the measure retain Medicare portions that are not included in a smaller Senate package. (more...)
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VGM Members Take Advantage of the August Recess - 8/31/2007
A special "thank you" to VGM`s Triangle Aftercare, A-1 Home Healthcare, Clay Home Medical & Seeley Medical
These four companies have demonstrated that home medical equipment providers can be pro-active in the fight against competitive bi (more...)
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SCHIP: Grassley Calls for Preconference Talks To Limit Scope - 8/7/2007
VGM, industry leaders, to host Grassley reception in Waterloo August 21.
According to an aide, Senate Finance Committee ranking member Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) would like to use the August Recess to begin preconference committee talks with the (more...)
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CALL TO ACTION!: H.R. 3162, “CHAMP Act of 2007” - 7/26/2007
New threats to Medicare policy for power wheelchairs and home oxygen therapy!
The House Energy and Commerce and Ways and Means Committees have released H.R. 3162, the "Children`s Health and Medicare Protection Act," (CHAMP) which would eliminate the first-month purcha (more...)
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CMS Extends Bid Deadline To July 27 - 7/20/2007
VGM notified earlier by Senate Finance Committee
"The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is extending the bid submission deadline for the first round of the Medicare Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics and Su (more...)
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LEGISLATIVE ALERT - CALL TO ACTION - 7/16/2007
Please Persuade Your Legislators to Sign On to the Johnson-Allen Letter
The Johnson-Allen Letter is being circulated for signatures, and it is imperative that we make immediate attempts to get our legislators to sign on. Even those who are not in the (more...)
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Legislative Update on H.R. 1845, 621 & 2231 - 7/3/2007
Please urge your Congressional representative to cosponsor; talking points available.
VGM urges all HME providers to contact your Congressional representative’s office in your district and ask for their support of these three bills (more...)
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VGM`s Last Chance For Patient Choice Files Competitive Bidding Lawsuit - 6/18/2007
Hewitt, et al v Michael O. Levitt & Leslie V. Norwalk
A lawsuit was filed June 12 in Federal court against CMS seeking to stop competitive bidding for durable medical equipment. The suit was filed June 12, 2007, in the Dallas Division of the U. (more...)
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Senate Companion to Tanner-Hobson Bill Introduced - 5/24/2007
Senate bill lacks some provisions of House measure
On May 17, Sens. Kent Conrad, D-N.D., and Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, introduced the Medicare Durable Medical Equipment Access Act of 2007 to soften some effects of national competitive bidding.
(more...)
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BIDDING FOR DMEPOS IS OPEN! - 5/15/2007
All bids are due by 9:00 p.m. prevailing Eastern Time on July 13, 2007
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is now soliciting bids for the first round of the Medicare Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotic (more...)
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Support Tanner-Hobson ... NOW - 5/14/2007
The Medicare Durable Medical Equipment Access Act of 2007
On March 29, 2007, Congressmen John Tanner (D-TN) and David Hobson (R-OH) introduced H.R.1845, the Medicare Durable Medical Equipment Access Act of 2007. This bill would amend the competitive acquisit (more...)
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Veteran official to be New Medicare Chief - 5/4/2007
WASHINGTON — Kerry N. Weems, a longtime federal health official, is President Bush`s choice to oversee the Medicare and Medicaid programs.
If confirmed by the Senate, Weems would suc (more...)
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Accreditation Completion Deadline Announced - 4/17/2007
"First round" bidders must be accredited by August 31, 2007
CMS has verified that an HME provider (supplier) who is in the "application process" for accreditation may submit a bid, but must be accredited by August 21, 2007 to be (more...)
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Competitive Bidding "Final Rule" Released - 4/9/2007
UPDATE: Registration Now Open
CMS issued on April 2 a final rule "that will reduce beneficiary out-of-pocket costs, improve the accuracy of Medicare’s payments for c (more...)
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Tanner-Hobson Bill (H.R. 1845) Introduced - 4/2/2007
Would allow any HME provider to participate in Medicare at selected award price
H.R. 1845 was introduced in Congress on March 29 by U.S. Representatives John Tanner (D-Tenn.), David Hobson (R-Ohio), and Mike Ross (D-Ark.). (more...)
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COMPETITIVE BID MSA LIST RELEASED!! - 3/30/2007
VGM Offers ZIP Code File for Probable Bidding Areas
The CMS competitive bid website posted, albeit for a short t (more...)
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Former Rep. Bill Thomas Bill Thomas joins conservative think tank - 2/19/2007
"... he plans to continue to be involved in politics"
The American Enterprise Institute (AEI) announced that Bill Thomas, the recently retired chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, has joined AEI as a visiting fellow.
(more...)
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Georgia Congressman Tom Price, M.D Reintroduces O2 Legislation - 2/15/2007
UPDATE: New Cosponsors!
Thirteen more members of the U.S. House of Representatives have cosponsored the Home Oxygen Patient Protection Act (H.R. 621), which was introduced last month by Congressman Tom Price, MD (R (more...)
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Georgia Congressman Tom Price, M.D Reintroduces O2 Legislation - 2/15/2007
UPDATE: New Cosponsors!
Thirteen more members of the U.S. House of Representatives have cosponsored the Home Oxygen Patient Protection Act (H.R. 621), which was introduced last month by Congressman Tom Price, MD ( (more...)
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Charlie Norwood Dies at 65 - 2/13/2007
Georgia Congressman was supporter of homecare issues
After a long battle with a debilitating lung disease and subsequent lung cancer, Rep. Charlie Norwood (R-Ga.) died this morning at his home in Augusta. He was 65.
(more...)
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Homecare Medicare Cuts in Proposed ’08 Budget - 2/8/2007
Healthcare lobbyists not comforted by Dems’ bashing of Bush budget
Although congressional Democrats quickly rejected the White House’s budget proposals calling for about $100 billion in spending reductions in Medicare and Medicaid, the healthcare providers (more...)
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CMS Accreditation "Mandate" Officially Rescinded - 1/31/2007
HQAA confirms with CMS representative
Note to Contractors: "The CR 5415, Transmittal 188 is rescinded and will not be replaced at this time. CR 5415 was sent via RO-4721 dated January 26, 2007. Please discard a (more...)
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House Democrats To Offer Ethics Details - 1/3/2007
Rules may require new tax cuts or spending increases to be offset by other cuts
With last-minute details still being hashed out, Democratic leaders plan to start voting on their much ballyhooed rules and ethics package for the 110th Congress Thursday afternoon, following the elec (more...)
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CMS Releases Competitive Bidding Instructions, Forms, for Comment - 12/22/2006
Also: CMS meets with new accreditors; MSA information released
CMS has published in the Federal Register "Instructions For Completing Request For Bids (RFB) For Medicare Competitive Bidding Program" and a 30-day request for public comment of four biddin (more...)
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President Bush Signs Bill To Stop Medicare Physician Reimbursement Rate Reduction - 12/21/2006
Maintains current level of Medicare physician reimbursements in 2007
President Bush on Wednesday signed into law a tax, trade and health care bill (HR 6111) that includes provisions to reverse a 5.1% reduction in Medicare physician reimbursements scheduled for 2007 and (more...)
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Sen. Johnson Responsive After Surgery - 12/15/2006
If Johnson were to leave office, a replacement would be named by South Dakota`s Republican governor
Democratic Sen. Tim Johnson was recovering without complications from emergency brain surgery to repair bleeding in his brain. (more...)
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South Dakota Senator Hospitalized - 12/13/2006
Democrat Tim Johnson Suffers Possible Stroke; Could Senate Control Be Hanging In Balance?
Democrat Sen. Tim Johnson of South Dakota was taken to a Washington hospital this afternoon after suffering a possible stroke, his office said in a statement.
(more...)
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VGM works with Senate Finance Chairman - 12/8/2006
A Letter to the Senator from VGM`s Jim Walsh, President and General Counsel
Dear Senator Grassley:
We don’t get all the news about legislative activity in the U.S. Congress out here in Iowa, but what we do get at this time of the year makes us very nervous. (more...)
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Capitol Hill Update - 12/8/2006
Congress To Vote on Bill To Reverse Scheduled Reduction in Medicare Physician Reimbursements
House leaders are schuled to vote on Friday plan to hold a vote on a bill (HR 6408) that includes the reversal of a scheduled reduction in Medicare physician reimbursements, but "passage in the S (more...)
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CALL TO ACTION! - 12/5/2006
Call your Senators and your Representative in Congress today.
There is still a chance that the HME industry will be utilized as an offset to the reduction to physician payments. Providers need to be vigilant and contact their elected officials
(more...)
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CALL TO ACTION! - 11/20/2006
Oxygen reductions could still be included in a lame duck session "Doc Fix"
Last week VGM executives initiated a conference call with Senate Finance Committee Chairman Charles Grassley (R-IA) of which the ensuing discussion suggested that, regardless of Congress passing a con (more...)
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CMS-1304-F: Final rule - DRA changes to Medicare oxygen; capped rental items - 11/7/2006
Rule also includes 3.3 % market basket increase for home health services
The final rule implements Section 5101 of the DRA that requires suppliers to transfer title of oxygen equipment to the beneficiary after 36 months of rental payments and capped rental items after 13 m (more...)
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NOVEMBER LAME DUCK SESSION "101" - 11/7/2006
Q & A Summary, Oxygen Talking Points, For All HME Providers
What is a Lame Duck Session?
A Lame duck session is when the United States Congress (or only one chamber thereof) meets following the November general elections (and before the ina (more...)
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Cuts in Medicare hurt wheelchair users - 10/19/2006
By MARY CLARE JALONICK
ASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER
WASHINGTON -- Patricia Meier, a 63-year-old quadriplegic and Medicare recipient, needs to replace the wheelchair she has used for five ye (more...)
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Senate companion bill to H.R. 3559 introduced - 9/26/2006
Hatch, Conrad: Medicare Durable Medical Equipment Access Act
Sens. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, and Kent Conrad, D-N.D., have introduced a companion to the Hobson-Tanner bill in the Senate. The complete statement follows.
(more...)
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Senator Grassley pulls consideration of 13 month O2 cap - 9/25/2006
VGM, Iowa HME provider community cited as "effective"
ATLANTA - At the AAH Humanitarian Dinner held Tuesday evening at Medtrade, Mal Mixon, CEO of Invacare, reported that Iowa Senator Charles Grassley “had heard from his constituents” regarding his Sept (more...)
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Contact your elected officials! - 9/8/2006
"Please Cosponsor H.R. 5513 & S. 3814, The Home Oxygen Patient Protection Act"
VGM and the American Association for Homecare enthusiastically support the Home Oxygen Patient Protection Act (HOPP Act). The bill may help a million oxygen patients to breathe easier by easing the bu (more...)
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Congressman Phil Gingrey (R-GA) visits VGM Member Hi-Tech Healthcare - 8/31/2006
"...to learn more about the effect the caps on home oxygen and medical equipment will surely have on constituents..."
Congressman and Physician Phil Gingrey and staffers Jenifer Healy and John O’Keefe visit Hi-Tech Healthcare’s Marietta office to discuss legislation that will negatively impact seniors receiving home (more...)
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Study, commissioned by VGM, supports Hobson-Tanner Bill - 8/15/2006
Would preserve patient choice, benefit small businesses and still allow CMS to save money via competitive bidding
WATERLOO, Iowa - A university economist released a study last week that bolsters the industry`s argument against competitive bidding as envisioned by CMS.
(more...)
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NCB: VGM members active in Atlanta with legislators; educating hospitals - 8/15/2006
Todd Tyson (Hi Tech Healthcare Inc) - "Medicare: Reducing Benefits and Eliminating Choices"
"The Medicare Modernization Act (MMA) of 2003 and the Deficit Reduction Act (DRA) of 2005 are about to introduce Metro Atlanta Medicare beneficiaries to further reductions in their benefits and a (more...)
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HME supporter Schwarz defeated in primary election - 8/11/2006
Comments from VGM`s John Gallagher
Congressman and physician Joe Schwarz, a Republican from Michigan, was defeated Tuesday in his party’s primary. (more...)
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Senate Companion Bill to H.R. 5513 Introduced - 8/7/2006
S. 3814 would repeal DRA oxygen provisions
Pat Roberts (R-KS), and four co-sponsors introduced legislation in the Senate last Thursday that would reverse the DRA provisions of capped Medicare oxygen rental at 36 months and transfer of equipmen (more...)
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Last Chance for Patient Choice sends message to Congress - 6/20/2006
Kick-off for July 28-Aug. 7 Congressional HME Marathon Event
Eighty percent of Congress reads Roll Call magazine, so that is where Last Chance for Patient Choice ran an ad June 19 explaining what the oxygen cap and competitive bidding will do to peo (more...)
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Last Chance for Patient Choice plans Congressional HME Marathon Event - 6/5/2006
Please contact John Gallagher for more information!
Last Chance for Patient Choice, a non-for-profit organization to support the fight against so-called “competitive” bidding and other onerous health-care legislation, will sponsor a series of Congressi (more...)
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VGM members seek Hatch`s aid to prevent competitive bidding implementation - 6/1/2006
Alpine Home Medical Equipment, Peterson Medical receive "promise to study the issue" from Utah Senator
Local providers of home medical equipment set aside their competitive interests Tuesday and joined forces to lobby for help in stopping legislation deemed detrimental to the industry from taking effec (more...)
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Rep. Joe Schwarz (R-MI), a physician, introduces bill to reverse oxygen provisions of DRA - 5/26/2006
"Home Oxygen Patient Protection Act" (H.R. 5513)
As virtually all HME providers are aware, language was inserted into the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (DRA) calling for Medicare beneficiaries to assume ownership of their oxygen equipment after 36 m (more...)
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Hobson-Tanner Bill Tops 100 Co-Sponsors - 5/1/2006
Next Priority: Getting a companion bill in the Senate
The Hobson-Tanner Bill is now up to 101 co-sponsors in the House of Representatives, enough to introduce a Senate companion bill, observers say.
The bill, officially known as H.R. 3559, was introd (more...)
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Medicare Competitive Bidding Information - 5/1/2006
Update! VGM Offers Legislative & Regulatory PowerPoint Presentation
As virtually all HM providers are now aware, CMS has published its proposed rule to phase in the competitive acquisition program for durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics and supplies (DM (more...)
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NEWS FLASH – THOMAS TO RETIRE - 3/6/2006
“Today, I am announcing that I will not seek reelection to the United States Congress”
Rep. Bill Thomas (R-CA), the fiery chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, announced his retirement today, ending the Congressional tenure of one of Capitol Hill’s most polarizing yet effectiv (more...)
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Wall St. Journal Article Focuses On Capped Rental Issue - 3/1/2006
"`Ownership` for Elderly`s Oxygen Equipment"
By DAVID ROGERS February 28, 2006; Page A6 WSJ:
WASHINGTON -- President Bush`s "ownership society" is coming to one corner of Medicare: Live long enough, and a patient could have his (more...)
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House Democratic Leader Wants Budget Probe - 2/17/2006
One lawsuit has been filed challenging the bill`s constitutionality.
House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi demanded an ethics investigation Thursday into the passage of deficit-reduction legislation that President Bush recently signed, a new twist in an episode of Capit (more...)
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DEFICIT REDUCTION ACT FACES “thorny constitutional issues” - 2/15/2006
Lawsuits requesting declaratory judgment filed in Alabama
A federal judge in Mobile, Alabama was asked Monday to rule that the Deficit Reduction Act is unconstitutional. A request for declaratory judgment was filed Monday by Jim Zeigler a Mobile, Alabama att (more...)
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Clerical Error Jeopardizes Deficit-Reduction Law - 2/14/2006
Morning Edition, February 13, 2006 · The $39 billion deficit-reduction bill signed by President Bush last week was nearly a year in the making. It passed in the House by a mere two votes, and it passe (more...)
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VGM`s Gallagher on Hobson-Tanner bill: `Everything else doesn`t matter` - 2/14/2006
Lobbying efforts focused on competitive bidding
The HME industry has pulled in another nine co-sponsors for H.R. 3559, a bill it believes will lessen the blow of national competitive bidding.
(more...)
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Small Typo, Big Headache For Republicans - 2/9/2006
Oxygen, DME capped rental provision errors in DRA ... Another vote or technical correction??
According to the Senate aide, a "poor woman in the basement" clerk`s office typed in "36 months," instead of "13 months" related to Medicare payments for oxygen within th (more...)
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House vote 216-214 - DRA now to President´s desk for signature. - 2/2/2006
Vote generally along party lines; attention shifts to HR 3559
The House on Wednesday voted 216-214 to approve the fiscal year 2006 budget reconciliation bill (S 1932), which contains
more than $39 billion in cuts, including $6.4 billion from Medicare and $4.8 (more...)
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Bakersfield rally just the beginning of Last Chance for Patient Choice efforts - 1/31/2006
National momentum building
Last Chance for Patient Choice`s rally outside U.S. Rep. Bill Thomas`s (R-Calif.) Bakersfield office was just the beginning of Last Chance for Patient Choice`s multi-media campaign against congression (more...)
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LCPC rally sheds light on Medicare cuts - 1/30/2006
Last Chance For Patient`s Choice Garners National Media Attention
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – Under sunny skies, Last Chance for Patient Choice’s rally at U.S. Rep. Bill Thomas’s office helped shed light on hidden provisions in the Budget Reconciliation Act that will dras (more...)
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Oxygen Cap Issue Continues To Generate Media Interest - 1/30/2006
Top-rated NBC affiliate airs "Cuts To Oxygen Tanks"
Springfield, Missouri KY3 TV aired last week a compelling segment on its evening news that featured provider Ed Getty (Physicians Medical Home Care) and one of his patients, Mary Proffitt, who has bee (more...)
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VGM Commentary: What we think about anti-Thomas rally - 1/25/2006
LCPC running TV commercial in Bakersfield this week
WATERLOO, Iowa – Nobody should be surprised by Last Chance for Patient Choice’s rally at the Bakersfield, Calif., office of U.S. Rep. Bill Thomas, the powerful chairman of the House Ways and Means Com (more...)
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Hastert Sets Final Budget Reconciliation Vote - Feb. 1 - 1/12/2006
AARP, with 36 million members, "not conceding defeat"
House Speaker Hastert has tentatively set a vote Feb. 1 on a $39.7 billion five-year deficit reduction package to finish action on the bill after a procedural maneuver by Senate Democrats late last mo (more...)
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Another VGM Member Gets Involved! - 1/11/2006
Sunbelt Medical Supply & Oxygen finds Congressional aides "surprised" with oxygen provision
The following is a reprint of a message received by John Gallagher, VGM`s Government Relations VP.
Dear John,
finally picked up the phone yesterday and called my local Congressm (more...)
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Budget Bill S. 1932: Respiratory Care Associates Takes Action - 1/5/2006
VGM Member, Home Care Alliance of Virginia associate provides good example
"I just wanted to let you know that my company sent out over 400 letters to Medicare beneficiaries we are currently serving or had recently served to inform them of the pending cap on oxygen in t (more...)
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Budget Bill S. 1932: Many COPD Caucus Members Voted "Yea" - 12/29/2005
VGM urges letter writing campaign to these members of Congress
Within this article you will find the list of Senators and Representatives who voted for the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, (S. 1932) and who serve on the COPD Caucus. Because they serve on this caucu (more...)
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Points Of Order Return Budget-Cutting Package To House - 12/22/2005
But most likely under procedures that will prevent revisiting the homecare provisions
The Senate approved a $39.7 billion deficit reduction package Wednesday. The legislation represents the first attempt at restraining the growth of entitlement spending since 1997, but Republicans w (more...)
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"IT’S NOT OVER TILL IT’S OVER" - 12/21/2005
Reconciliation bill passes Senate narrowly
The Senate voted 51-50 on Wednesday, December 21, to approve the fiscal year 2006 spending cut package (S 1932), with Vice President Dick Cheney returning from a trip in the Middle East to cast a tie- (more...)
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Budget recon conference report passes House: $2.9 billion cut from DME - 12/19/2005
Capped Rental Provision Now Includes Oxygen Equipment
Early Monday morning the House of Representatives passed the budget reconciliation bill, (aka the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, S. 1932). Provisions in the final version approved by House-Senate conf (more...)
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NUSSLE COMES TO AID OF DME INDUSTRY - 12/19/2005
Extends O2 capped rental, removes tank repair provisions
In November, VGM met with Chairman Jim Nussle (R-IA) and his chief of staff to emphasize that DME should "not be hammered" within the upcoming budget reconciliation bill. (more...)
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House Passes Budget Bill With Two-Vote Margin - 11/18/2005
HME effect: capped rental provision in Senate reconciliation bill now back in play
After an unusually long buildup and a heated floor debate, House Republicans passed a $50 billion spending reconciliation bill with relative ease Friday morning following a final round of legislative (more...)
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Congress stalls on spending, tax cuts - 11/11/2005
Grassley ( R-IA), citing no progress in getting moderate Republicans on board, tables vote on $68.8 billion tax-cut package
Efforts to cut spending for social programs and extend tax cuts that benefit wealthier Americans hit roadblocks in Congress on Thursday. (more...)
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VGM Meets With Rep. Jim Nussle, Chairman - House Budget Committee - 11/11/2005
Requests "fair treatment for the many small businesses involved in this service-based business"
On Friday afternoon a contingent of VGM executives, Iowa healthcare providers and guests hosted Congressman Nussle and his staff at the home of Van Miller, CEO and founder of the VGM Group.
(more...)
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Power Mobility Devices – Grace Period for Implementation of the IFR - 11/9/2005
And...VGM offers template physician letter and "education tool"
On August 26, 2005, CMS published an Interim Final Rule (IFR) in the Federal Register that established documentation requirements for the coverage of power wheelchairs and power operated vehicles. (more...)
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Senate Approves $36B in Spending Cuts - 11/7/2005
Senate Approves Amendment to Discontinue Capped Rental Option; Power Wheelchairs Exempt
The Senate on Thursday voted 52-47 to approve the fiscal year 2006 Senate budget reconciliation bill (S 1932). The legislation, approved on Oct. 26 by the Senate Budget Committee, includes about $10 (more...)
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WHITE HOUSE THREATENS VETO OF SENATE RECONCILIATION BILL - 11/2/2005
Rx drug coverage is concern, but veto would affect DME capped rental provision
The White House has threatened to veto the Senate budget reconciliation bill (S 1932) if lawmakers do not remove a provision that would phase out a fund created two years ago to encourage insurers to (more...)
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GRASSROOTS ACTION NEEDED! - 11/2/2005
Urge Congress to strike the capped rental provision from budget reconciliation
The Senate version of the budget reconciliation package includes a section that would discontinue the capped rental option for home medical equipment, eliminating the Medicare beneficiary’s choice of (more...)
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GRASSROOTS ACTION NEEDED! - 11/2/2005
Urge Congress to strike the capped rental provision from budget reconciliation
The Senate version of the budget reconciliation package includes a section that would discontinue the capped rental option for home medical equipment, eliminating the Medicare beneficiary’s choice of (more...)
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Finance Committee Passes $10 Billion in Cuts for Medicare, Medicaid - 10/27/2005
And...House Energy and Commerce Committee To Vote Thursday on Budget Package With Medicaid Cuts
The Senate Finance Committee on Tuesday voted 11-9 along party lines to approve a fiscal year 2006 budget reconciliation package that would reduce Medicaid and Medicare spending by $10 billion over fi (more...)
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SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE TO VOTE ON BUDGET RECONCILIATION - 10/25/2005
Homecare Community Responds to Capped Rental, Service Issues; VGM Personally Delivers Letter to Grassley
The Finance Committee acts Tuesday on its $10 billion Medicare and Medicaid savings plan, although early indications are that Finance Committee Chairman Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, might not have the vo (more...)
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Budget Committee Chairman Jim Nussle Meets With VGM to Discuss H.R. 3559 - 8/9/2005
"We`ve met with our Congressman...have you??"
As most are now aware, on July 28 Congressmen David Hobson (R-OH) and John Tanner (D-TN) introduced The Medicare Durable Medical Equipment Access Act of 2005. The bill would remedy many of the “compet (more...)
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Grassley Bill Addresses Accessibility, Cost - 8/4/2005
S.1602: "promotes keeping beneficiaries in their homes and not in `the home`"
Senate Finance Committee Chair Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) has introduced a bill (S 1602) that is intended to help reduce the cost and increase the accessibility of long-term care for elderly U.S. residen (more...)
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Reps. Hobson & Tanner Introduce HME Bill - 7/29/2005
"Urge Congressional Support"
On July 28, 2005, Congressmen David Hobson (R-OH) and John Tanner (D-TN) introduced The Medicare Durable Medical Equipment Access Act of 2005. This bill would remedy many of the “competitive acquisiti (more...)
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Senate HELP Committee Approves Joint Measure To Expand Use of Health IT - 7/26/2005
Establishes a "quality measurement system"
The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee on Wednesday approved by voice vote a measure (S 1418) intended to expand the use of information technology among health care providers (more...)
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CALL TO ACTION! - 7/7/2005
Visit With Your Members of Congress This Summer
Members of both the House and Senate are now home for the July Fourth Recess. Many members of Congress will be spending time in their home districts until the 11th, and then again the entire month of (more...)
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Congress Clears Bill to Modify Ban on Junk Faxes - 6/28/2005
Senate had passed "Junk Fax Prevention Act" ( S. 714) on 6/24
On Tuesday the House cleared legislation that would ensure businesses can continue to send unsolicited faxes to customers with whom they have an established relationship. The measure now heads to the (more...)
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Governors` Group Proposes Medicaid Curbs - 6/16/2005
"State officials should be able to establish different benefits packages for different Medicaid recipients"
The National Governors Association offered sweeping bipartisan proposals on Wednesday to rein in the growth of Medicaid, saying states should be allowed to charge higher co-payments to beneficiaries a (more...)
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Congressman Mike Ross Revs Up Providers on Advocacy, Competitive Bidding - 6/13/2005
"Most Members of Congress don`t understand what you do"
“It`s time to restore some common sense to CMS,” Rep. Mike Ross (D-AR) told the American Association for Homecare conference last week. “And a good place to start is getting rid of competitive bidding (more...)
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CMS Announces the National Provider Identifier (NPI) - 5/19/2005
VGM offers instruction about the NPI & how and when to apply for one
All providers (including HME/DME, Re-hab, O&P, etc.) conducting electronic transactions will be required to comply with the NPI standards within 24 months after the adoption of the Final NPI Rule. (more...)
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Leavitt to appoint Medicaid commission members, dismaying some Democrats - 5/9/2005
Frist (R-TN) says commission would be "a fair and balanced" group
Some Democrats were irked last week following the disclosure that Michael Leavitt, secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, would appoint members of a new Medicaid commission. (more...)
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Home Oxygen Fees Announced - 3/31/2005
Monthly payments range from $194.48 to $200.41 for stationary; $30.57 to $32.08 for portable equipment
On Wednesday the DHHS Office of Inspector General released its revised report on Medicare fee schedule amounts for home oxygen for 2005.
(more...)
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Small Supplier Medtrade Focus Group Spaces Now Filled - 3/30/2005
CMS: "...overwhelming interest and enthusiastic responses"
(Was your facility selected? If so, please review this article!)
VGM, who attempted to assist several VGM members who expressed interest in attending one of the four 90-minute focus groups (Ap (more...)
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Mandatory Accreditation: CMS Affirms Requirement Of All HME Providers - 3/28/2005
CMS Small Supplier Medtrade Focus Groups Deadline Also Extended
All HME providers will be required to demonstrate that they meet quality standards by becoming accredited, affirmed CMS staff during the Home Health, DME, and Hospice Open Door forum on March 24. (more...)
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MMA: CMS "...considering alternatives for the protection of small DMEPOS suppliers" - 3/22/2005
Focus group sessions planned at spring Medtrade
Via its contracted research group RTI, CMS plans to conduct 4 focus groups at the
Spring Medtrade Conference to "facilitate CMS`s understanding of the impact of quality standards, financial st (more...)
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VGM Member Takes Issue With Barton's (R-TX) Support of NCB - 3/8/2005
"We are honest about how we deal with the Medicare System"
Brian E. Meloy, operations manager of the the Harrisburg, PA Central Medical Equipment Co. (V9003) "has stepped up to the plate" by taking action and responding to House Energy and C (more...)
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PAOC Panel, CMS, Focus On Quality Standards - 3/7/2005
Small provider participation also discussed
The 22 members of the Program Advisory Oversight Committee (including VGM HOMELINK president Dave Kazynski) met with CMS officials for the thrid time on Feb. 28 and March 1-2.
(more...)
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BUDGET: Bush Proposal Includes 1.2% Decrease for HHS for FY 2006 - 2/8/2005
Proposal provides $50B increase for Medicare in FY 2006
President Bush on Monday sent to Congress his fiscal year 2006 federal budget proposal, which includes a 1.2% decrease in discretionary funds for HHS -- with "big cuts" for CDC and other ag (more...)
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Support for Leavitt Nomination Comes from Both Sides of Aisle - 1/24/2005
HHS Secretary Nominee Says Medicaid Needs Reform
Max Baucus (D-Montana), ranking Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee, last week predicted that Michael Leavitt, President George Bush`s nominee to take the reins as secretary of the Department of (more...)
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REP. MIKE ROSS (D-AR) APPOINTED TO HOUSE COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND COMMERCE - 1/6/2005
Ross and spouse own and operate an independent pharmacy/HME business
HME`s own Representative Mike Ross has been appointed to the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Contact Rep. Ross at mike.ross@mail.house.govor at his Was (more...)
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HR 4491 WAS A GREAT SUCCESS - 12/15/2004
Comments from John Gallagher, VP Government Relations
Despite what you are hearing from some in the trade press, HR 4491 was a tremendous success for the HME industry. For the first time in the history of this industry we were out developing relationship (more...)
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HME NewsWire: "FEHBP cuts...Here they come" - 12/13/2004
Industry leaders resigned that legislation will not pass
A full court press by the HME industry to repeal Medicare reimbursement cuts based on Federal Employees Health Benefit Plans (FEHBP) appears headed for certain failure.
(more...)
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Woes persist for Medicare reform - 12/9/2004
Iowa Senator Grassley: “…problems must be fixed immediately, before the drug benefit goes into effect”
The Bush administration celebrated the one-year anniversary of its $534 billion Medicare prescription-drug law December 8, although the heaviest lifting in implementing the new drug benefit lies ahead (more...)
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VGM Well Represented on Competitive Bidding Commitee - 9/27/2004
PAOC includes VGM Members Handi Medical, Wright & Filippis and VGM HOMELINK president Dave Kazynski
On Friday, CMS announced the appointment of a committee to advise the agency about the implementation of competitive bidding for equipment provided to Medicare beneficiaries, and about establishing st (more...)
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OIG Report: Home oxygen equipment reimbursement rules should be changed - 9/15/2004
Sept 13 report says "Medicare could have saved $499 million"
Medicare expenditures for home oxygen equipment could be reduced by hundreds of millions yearly if reimbursement rules are changed to establish payment rates similar to Federal Employee Health Benefit (more...)
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FEHBP Fee-for-Service Payment Rates for Home Oxygen Are Virtually Same as Medicare Rates, Study Shows - 9/13/2004
Morrison Informatics collects data from 107 FEHBP plans
A comprehensive study of home oxygen pricing found virtually no difference between Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) fee- for-service plans and Medicare.
(more...)
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Muse and Associates Study Finds Medicare Reimbursement for Inhalation Drug Therapies Must Rise Dramatically - 9/3/2004
Requires Service Fees to Ensure Continued Care for Patients
The inhalation drug therapy services study found the new 2005 Medicare reimbursement formula based on average sales price (ASP formula) would under-reimburse the actual cost of providing two key drug (more...)
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MEDICARE: OP-EDS EXAMINE BENEFICIARIES' OPINIONS OF NEW LAW - 8/16/2004
66% of beneficiaries say Congress should change the law
Two opinion pieces examine a recent Kaiser Family Foundation and Harvard School of Public Health survey examining seniors` perceptions of the new Medicare law. The survey, released August 11, found th (more...)
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"No Good News in CMS Draft Respiratory Drug Regulations" - 7/29/2004
Major investment advisory service Legg Mason provides a summary of MMA "ASP+6%" impact; comments on effect to nationals' stock ratings
Yesterday, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued draft regulations on physician payments that included proposed respiratory drug reimbursement rules.
YOUR COMMENT (more...)
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H.R.4491: "To amend part B of title XVIII of the Social Security Act to repeal the reduction in Medicare payment for certain items of durable medical equipment" - 6/7/2004
Reps. Hobson, Ford Jr. introduce bill to recind FEHBP cuts
The reimbursement cuts for five DME categories were scheduled for January 2005 by the Medicare Modernization Act (MMA). (more...)
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Hobson Drafts Legislation to Repeal Reimbursement Cuts - 4/28/2004
Commentary from VGM's VP - Government Relations John Gallagher
VGM has learned that Rep. David Hobson (R, OH) is planning to introduce legislation to strip the FEHBP cuts from the new Medicare Law. During the waning moment of the House vote for passage of the Me (more...)
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Update on the Medicare Power Wheelchair Benefit - 3/24/2004
When: Wednesday, March 31 2004 from 2PM to 3:30PM (EST)
In a continuing effort to communicate with beneficiaries, providers and suppliers about the criteria Medicare uses to determine whether to pay for a power wheelchair for an individual beneficiary, the (more...)
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Foster: White House Had Role In Withholding Medicare Data - 3/19/2004
Medicare analyst threatened with firing
Richard S. Foster, the government`s chief analyst of Medicare costs who was threatened with firing last year if he disclosed too much information to Congress, said last night that he believes the Whit (more...)
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Informed seniors look askance at drug bill: survey - 2/27/2004
68% say they didn't know it had passed and is now law
Widespread ignorance about the new Medicare prescription drug benefit will spawn plenty of sound-bite opportunities for Republicans and Democrats this election year, but the more senior citizens know (more...)
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VGM “Letter to the Editor” Campaign - 2/12/2004
Raising public awareness of HME issues may be key
As most members are aware, VGM has expended considerable time and resources since the Medicare Prescription Drug Bill passed last November targeting key Congressional representatives in an attempt to (more...)
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More Senators Seek Reopening Of Medicare Bill Over Cost - 2/12/2004
Thompson repeats administration's resistance to reconsideration
Two more senators who voted for the new Medicare prescription drug law today joined the chorus of those agitating to reopen it this year. (more...)
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VGM Group Commentary: The New “Coalitions” - 2/5/2004
RAMP and NCART Announce Formation
VGM Group (VGM, U.S. Rehab, HPC, and OPGA) members have likely noticed recent press releases and trade publication articles announcing the formation of two new “coalitions” comprised of various organi (more...)
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Medicare to be $698 billion program by 2014: CBO - 1/28/2004
New reform law, with drug benefit, will add $395 billion to program between 2004 and 2013. Also: "Medicare 101", per member request, on next page.
Medicare spending will reach $698 billion in 2014, up almost 155% from $274 billion in 2003, according to new estimates from the Congressional Budget Office.
(more...)
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"How NCB Will Jeopardize the Entire Home Care Structure in Our Nation" - 1/28/2004
VGM member submits essay regarding “underlying fallacies of NCB”
The following essay is a follow-up to our January 7, 2004 lead article that included commentary from Herb Paserman, of U.S. Rehab/HPC’s Allcare Medical (*).
Occasionally we will reprint (wit (more...)
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Clinton to file EHR bill - 1/19/2004
Proposed new system would enable providers and patients to view medical records and communicate with each other online
On January 12 Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton said she would likely introduce legislation calling for the creation of a nationwide system of electronic health records (EHR). Health Information for Qua (more...)
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VGM Members Speak Out On Medicare Bill - 1/7/2004
Herb Paserman (Allcare Medical): "...the terrain of the fight has now shifted in our favor"
VGM has received several letters, faxes and emails from provider-members regarding the HME provisions of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 (DIMA). Occasionall (more...)
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Bill More Negative Than Positive, Especially Among Older Voters - 12/24/2003
Poll takers Wall Street Journal Online & Harris Interactive suggest seniors very skeptical about Medicare reform
Results of a recent Wall Street Journal Online/Harris Interactive Health-Care Poll suggest that President Bush is going to have to work very hard to make the Medicare reform and drug benefit bill a vo (more...)
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President signs law; critics fear confusion - 12/9/2003
Kennedy: "You sold us out, so we're going to go all out to repeal what you've done"
WASHINGTON – President Bush signed into law Monday a sweeping overhaul of Medicare that includes establishing a drug-discount card to be marketed to the program`s 40 million beneficiaries by June.
(more...)
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Members, don’t worry: VGM will continue to fight for HME - 12/9/2003
Commentary and Analysis from Jim Walsh
As we approach year end it seemed appropriate to summarize and review the changes we have seen and their likely effect on the HME business. (more...)
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Senate approves Medicare bill - 11/25/2003
Minority Leader Daschle: "This will not be the last vote, I guarantee you."
The U.S. Senate on Tuesday passed a landmark overhaul of Medicare that will add a prescription drug benefit and introduce controversial free market reforms to the federal health plan for the elderly. (more...)
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Review of DME Provisions - 11/25/2003
"Even opponents conceded the outcome was not in doubt."
To access the entire 681 page bill, click here. To access the Congressional Budget Office scoring document, click (more...)
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Senate Heads Toward Approving Medicare Overhaul - 11/24/2003
Senate vote set for 12:30 p.m. EST today on whether to halt a Democratic-led filibuster.
The Republican-led Senate seems headed toward giving final congressional approval to one of the biggest overhauls of the Medicare health insurance program for the elderly.
Republicans said the (more...)
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H.R. 1 Update: DME Provisions - 11/24/2003
CBO Scoring Document Released
To access the entire 681 page bill, click here. To access the Congressional Budget Office scoring document, click (more...)
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ALERT! - HR1 and CBO Scoring Released - 11/21/2003
Detail of DME Provisions Available - Download/ Print Here
To access the official CBO scoring document forwarded to William “Bill” M. Thomas Chairman, Committee on Ways and Means, click here.
(more...)
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Prescription drug bill heads to a vote - 11/21/2003
Likelihood of a Democratic-led effort to block the bill fades.
WASHINGTON -- Congressional negotiators cleared the way Thursday for votes on landmark Medicare prescription drug legislation. The House was preparing to vote today and the Senate as early as Saturd (more...)
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ALERT! - HR1 and CBO Scoring Released - 11/21/2003
Complete Detail of DME Provisions Available for Download/Print
To access the official CBO scoring document forwarded to William “Bill” M. Thomas Chairman, Committee on Ways and Means, click here.
(more...)
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Hobson opposition threatens prescription-drug bill - 11/20/2003
Invacare's Mixon: NCB "would drive small "mom-andpop" operations out of business and leave just a few large companies in their place."
Hobson`s decision will force the White House and Republican leaders to scramble for the votes to pass President Bush`s No. 1 domestic priority - the largest expansion of federal assistance to the elde (more...)
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Pelosi and Daschle Send Letter to AARP - 11/20/2003
..."We believe that the policies being supported by AARP in this bill are severely flawed, not in the best interests of America's seniors, and can and must be improved upon.
Washington, D.C. -- House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi and Senate Democratic Leader Tom Daschle sent the following letter to William Novelli, Executive Director and CEO of AARP on November 19: (more...)
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Ohio Congressmen: DME Issues "obstacle to House passage" - 11/19/2003
Rep. Steven LaTourette (R-Ohio) suggests inclusion of the competitive bidding agreement 'could be a deal-breaker.'
Rep. David Hobson (R-Ohio) plans to vote against the final bill unless competitive bidding on DME is dropped from the consensus language in favor of a permanent price freeze, Health News Daily reports (more...)
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Republican Medicare Plan Faces Challenges - 11/17/2003
Report: DME Provision Updated Over Weekend
Republican leaders on Capitol Hill began to detail an agreement that would transform the government`s compact with the 40 million Americans on Medicare, as they embarked yesterday with the White House (more...)
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11/14/03 Update: Medicare Conferees Fail To Agree, Handing Final Decision To Leaders - 11/14/2003
Earlier "tentative" agreement on DME issues included freeze thru 2008, NCB in 2007
House and Senate GOP leaders will be left to determine the final shape of the Medicare bill, after the 12-member negotiating team that has labored over it for months failed to agree Thursday on a tent (more...)
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Will NCB Disproportionately Harm African-Americans? - 11/14/2003
Edolphus “Ed” Towns, D.-N.Y., Four Other Lawmakers Describe "Two Classes"
Conferees on the Medicare Bill still have an issue to consider: whether the national competitive bidding program for DME currently proposed in 2007 would disenfranchise African-Americans. In a letter (more...)
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The Process For The Remaining Days Of Medicare Conference - 11/7/2003
Speaking to reporters yesterday, Senator Grassley indicated that three main issues remain to be decided (1. Premium Support 2. Medical Savings Accounts and 3. Cost Containments). Also not decided is (more...)
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AARP: "Protect Retiree Health Benefits - Oppose Medicare Reform Bill" - 10/31/2003
Powerful AARP Urges Members to Fax Congress Now
As millions of older Americans anxiously watch and wait, Congress continues to debate the details of legislation to fill the nation`s longstanding need for a Medicare prescription drug benefit. AARP (more...)
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Update! VGM Conducts Conference Call with Members of Grassley's Staff - 10/29/2003
Potential for CPI Freeze and Competitive Bidding Provision Remain
On Thursday afternoon VGM conducted a conference call with members of Senator Charles Grassley’s Senate Finance Committee Staff. During discussions with staff members, VGM became aware of the followin (more...)
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"Jury Still Out" - 10/27/2003
Conferees reportedly still examining mix of two policies: CPI freeze followed by competitive bidding
The combination mentioned most prominently is a one-year DME freeze in FY `04, followed by competitive bidding on a half-dozen or so "Secretarial-determined" list of products in MSAs of grea (more...)
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Democrats Opposition Mounts As GOP Predicts Pact On Medicare - 10/24/2003
Medicare conferees continued talks into the night Thursday (October 23), holding onto their optimism about meeting a deadline for reaching agreement today on major issues. The meetings were going forw (more...)
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Medicare Conferee Current Plans - 10/23/2003
Competitive Bidding and CPI freeze purportedly under consideration
It appears that the House-Senate Medicare Conference is moving on multiple fronts toward completion sometime the first two weeks of November, and in doing so, Conferees and their staffs have broached (more...)
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House, Senate Discuss Medicare Compromise - 10/21/2003
WASHINGTON - House and Senate negotiators are discussing a compromise that would guarantee the elderly access to a government prescription drug benefit under Medicare if they lack a choice of private (more...)
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Medicare Bill Remains Stalled - 9/23/2003
No formal meetings scheduled this week
Conferees working to resolve differences in House and Senate versions of legislation providing a prescription drug benefit under the Medicare program scheduled no formal meetings this week. Reportedl (more...)
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Commentary from VGM President Ron Bendell - 9/11/2003
To all VGM Group Members:
As you now are aware, on September 10th the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services issued a sweeping 10-point plan to crack down on power wheelchair fraud and abuse. This action has been rumored (more...)
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Bush backs away from demand to receive final Medicare bill before August recess - 7/22/2003
"If it takes a little more time to get it right, we`ll do that," according to Doug Badger, the special assistant to the president for economic policy. However, industry sources suggest that (more...)
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Medicare Bills Pass Both Senate And House - 6/30/2003
Although both the House and Senate passed legislation adding a new $400 billion prescription drug benefit under the Medicare program at a faster pace than many predicted, Senate leaders said that they (more...)
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Congress launches into final floor debate - 6/24/2003
on Medicare prescription drug benefit legislation
In what is expected to be an intense week of floor debate, lawmakers predict each chamber will pass its version by week's end, though bill supporters will have to address concerns from both ends of th (more...)
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Senate Medicare Reform Bill Contains No NCB Language - 6/19/2003
Last week the Senate Finance Committee began marking up its version of the Medicare reform legislation. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Charles Grassley (R-IA) was instrumental in rejecting any incl (more...)
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Gallagher on Competitive Bidding - 6/2/2003
On May 23, the Senate passed a $350 billion tax cut, which had passed the House the previous day. The final Tax Bill did not include any provisions relating directly to competitive bidding or DME. Tho (more...)
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