This budget amendment would direct DMAS to set the reimbursement rate to 100% of the Medicare rural rates for DME products. This is necessary to ensure access to durable medical equipment is protected for Medicaid recipients who rely on this equipment, including pediatric patients with complex medical needs.
In recent years, the DME industry has seen significant cost increases due to supply chain issues, higher prices from manufacturers, and new operational requirements brought on by the current COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE). In this environment, it is important that Medicaid programs protect patient access to critically needed products and services by making sure DME reimbursements reflect the market realities facing suppliers.
By supporting access to vital DME in the home, any additional cost to the state would be offset by decreasing utilization of emergency rooms and unnecessary hospitalization.
We urge the inclusion of budget amendment Item 304 #11s (Sen Dunnavant), that will enable DME providers to continue to provide quality products and services to families and individuals covered by Medicaid in Virginia.
The Atlantic Coast Medical Equipment Services Association (ACMESA) and the American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare) would like to thank Senator Siobhan Dunnavant and Delegate Emily Brewer for their support.
A pre-written message is shown on the right-hand side of the page; you are encouraged to add information to that message about your company’s work supporting Virginia Medicaid recipients and how rate stability will help you in that mission. Please also share this link with your colleagues and contacts and ask them to take action.