WASHINGTON, D.C. (January 19, 2021)—As anticipated, the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC), an advisory body to Congress, met last week to finalize payment and policy recommendations that will be incorporated in its annual March Report to Congress.
MESA, Ariz. (January 19, 2021)—Phoenix-based Valley Medical Supplies has been acquired by Copper Star Home Medical Supplies (Mesa, Arizona). With this acquisition, Valley Medical and Copper Star will combine their business models. Current Copper Star president and owner Korry Johnston will remain in his position.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (January 15, 2021)—This is a developing story. HomeCare will share more as more information becomes available.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (January 15, 2021)—The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has finalized a signature accomplishment of the new Office of Burden Reduction & Health Informatics (OBRHI). This final rule builds on the efforts to drive interoperability, empower patients, and reduce costs and burden in the health care market by promoting secure electronic access to health data in new and innovative ways.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (January 15, 2021)—The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), is announcing today that it will be amending the reporting timeline for the Provider Relief Fund Program (PRF) due to the recent passage of the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act. HHS has been working to provide updated reporting requirements that comply with this recently passed legislation.
BOSTON (January 15, 2021)—CareAcademy, a homecare and home health workforce empowerment platform, announced a strategic partnership with Wild Iris Medical Education that will further expand the company’s offering to include accredited nursing continuing education. By leveraging Wild Iris Medical Education’s American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) accredited and approved courses, CareAcademy will add more than 70 courses, representing more than 300 contact hours.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (January 15, 2021)—PlayMaker Health, a post-acute sales enablement and business intelligence platform, and HealthRev Partners, a provider of tech-driven, consultative revenue cycle management services for home health and hospice agencies, announced that they have partnered to deliver impactful solutions to drive and maximize revenue growth.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (January 14, 2021) -- The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a final rule on Tuesday that propels innovative technology so Medicare beneficiaries have access to the latest, most advanced devices. The action is designed to help smooth the Medicare coverage pathway for innovative products, resulting in faster access to new devices for America’s seniors.
NASHVILLE (January 14, 2021)—Permobil, Inc. and LUCI announced a partnership to provide LUCI’s smart wheelchair technology through Permobil’s industry-leading clinical education and commercial organization to Veterans Affairs’ (VA) rehabilitation clinics in the United States.
DANIA BEACH, Fla. (January 14, 2021)—Special Needs Group/Special Needs at Sea (SNG) announced that the company has entered into a supplier agreement with TZMO USA for the sale of their Seni USA brand adult incontinence products. SNG—a full-fledged medical equipment and supply company—is dedicated to fulfilling the special needs requirements for persons who want to travel but may need mobility aides, oxygen or other equipment.
MINNEAPOLIS, (January 14, 2021)—Nonin Medical announced the appointment of four new members to the company's board of directors. Each of the new directors brings unique industry experience and passion for innovation in the medtech and healthcare sectors. Together, they will provide Nonin with strategic guidance and support the company's continued growth. The new board members are:
WATERLOO, Iowa (January 14, 2021)—VGM Group, Inc., has merged three of its businesses into one and created Moxie, a powerful new force in the world of marketing and events. Hellman, a well-established marketing agency acquired by VGM in 2018, has joined with VGM Marketing and VGM Events to bring a team of close to 30 professionals together for the benefit of internal VGM clients and external clients alike.
BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich. (January 13, 2021)—Best Life Brands, LLC, a family of companies focused on the well-being of clients along the continuum of senior care, awarded a record number of 71 new franchise agreements across all brands in 2020. The franchise development milestone reached during a global pandemic underscored the needs of seniors, the most vulnerable population, and growing demand for more businesses that serve them.
CARY, N.C. (January 13, 2021)—Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC), a nonprofit accreditation organization with deeming authority from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), has awarded its inaugural Palliative Care Accreditation to Indianapolis-based Paradigm Health, a division of Paradigm Living Concepts. The three-year accreditation term acknowledges Paradigm’s commitment to quality patient care and excellent operations.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (January 13, 2021)—On January 8, the State of Tennessee announced that its “block grant” waiver request for TennCare (the state Medicaid program) was approved by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) after a year of negotiation. This new agreement will allow TennCare to administer the program with less oversight from the federal government and is intended to give more flexibility.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (January 12, 2021)—The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), in consultation with the Treasury Department, announced on Friday, Jan. 8, 2021, that the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) will reopen the week of January 11 for new borrowers and certain existing PPP borrowers.
DALLAS (January 12, 2021)—A new industry trends report based on a survey conducted by Axxess, a technology provider for care at home, reveals nearly three-quarters of respondents from large care at home organizations indicated their organization would require COVID-19 vaccinations and 90% indicated their organization would increase staff resources for diversity, equity and inclusion in 2021.
KANSAS CITY, Kan. (January 12, 2021)—Thuasne, major player in medical devices in Europe, continues its development with the acquisition of the U.S.-based company Knit-Rite, specialized in medical textiles, and its Therafirm division, dedicated to compression.
PHILADELPHIA (January 11, 2021)—Medical Guardian announced that the company has received a growth investment from Water Street Healthcare Partners, a strategic investor focused exclusively on health care.