CMS Deputy Administrator Discusses CRT Rates with AAHomecare

WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 1, 2015)—On July 1, Kim Brummett, AAHomecare vice president of regulatory affairs, led a group of AAHomecare members in a meeting with CMS Deputy Administrator and Director of the Center for Medicare, Sean Cavanaugh, to discuss the expansion of single payment amounts (SPAs) to complex rehab accessories in January 2016. As part of the overall expansion of the competitive bidding rates, CMS has indicated that these same rates will apply to CRT items that have been explicitly excluded from CB by Congress. While the final rule was unclear on the impact to CRT, a FAQ document released by CMS after the final rule was released indicated the intent.

AAHomecare members Bill Tobia (Home Medical Equipment), Seth Johnson (Pride Mobility), Cara Bachenheimer (Invacare) and Asela Cuervo (Law Offices of Asela Cuervo) met with Cavanaugh in person and via video conference with Laurence Wilson, Joel Kaiser, Carol Blackford and Liz Richter to specifically evaluate the differences between standard and CRT items even though they are in the same HCPC codes and the specific statutory language that guides CMS on this issue. 

In addition, the group discussed the differences between CRT suppliers and standard power suppliers, the further implications of repairs for this fragile Medicare beneficiary population and the overarching issue of HCPCS codes being too generic for this broad spectrum of products.

AAHomecare is now awaiting a response to the request to CMS to adjust the FAQ response that has been posted. Visit aahomecare.org. —via AAHomecare Wednesday in Washington