LAS VEGAS, March 29, 2013—Medtrade proved to be a productive time for the American Association for Homecare councils. Specifically, the Complex Rehab and Mobility Council (CRMC) discussed progress and which direction AAHomecare should advocate for in the prior authorization (PA) demonstration project, legislative and policy problems related to competitive bidding, non-warranty repairs, and state Medicaid fee schedules.
The CRMC is hoping that, with some minor fixes, we can suggest that CMS implement a PA program nationwide. After addressing problems related to beneficiary, supplier, and doctor notifications, the CRMC and AAHomecare believe that this program will help address error rates and reduce the need for audits. AAHomecare has always been supportive of an effective and efficient PA program.
The CRMC also discussed at length how to handle repairs on equipment supplied by providers that did not win contracts, or are no longer in business. Although sad, this is becoming a costly issue that CMS must address. AAHomecare will be contacting CMS to discuss how to handle this sensitive issue.
Finally, to show the strong relationship between Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement levels, the CRMC has decided to develop a chart showing how states Medicaid reimbursements are calculated. Some states have already tied their payments to a percentage of Medicare allowables. Such drastic cuts as those announced for Round 2 would exacerbate the current problems faced by the homecare industry. For more information contact AAHomecare’s Peter Rankin at 202-375-0755 or peterr@aahomecare.org. Also visit www.aahomecare.org.
