NEMEP is working on both the state and national levels regarding your questions relating to caring for your patients… waivers, F2F, equipment concerns, administrative burdens, etc.  We will continue to share updates as they become available.  THANK YOU for all you are doing for the health and safety of your patients, employees and families!   Make sure you continue to check the CDC and CMS websites (linked) for updates.  

STATE MEDICAID UPDATES

New York

As you know, NEMEP sent the joint effort letter (with AAHomecare, VGM and NCART) to the NYS Medicaid on March 20th and NEMEP President, John Quinlan received a reply with some information to share.  NYS Medicaid has increased the amount of Nebulizer and suction supplies and has removed the signature for shipped or delivered products or supplies under executive order 202 . There will be more information shortly regarding the rest of our questions.  CLICK HERE for a copy of the letter.

Government Agency Resources:

NEW YORK Department of Health

New Jersey

NEMEP also continues to use the team effort to secure a response to the letter sent to NJ DOH on March 20th with our policy recommendations for relief during the pandemic.  Today, David Chandler received a reply that it is being reviewed by the appropriate staff.  While this is no answer to our questions, the good news is that the communications are flowing between us and the NJ DOH.  More updates will be sent ASAP.

Government Agency Resources:

NEW JERSEY Department of Health 

VGM Resources
VGM COVID-19 PAGE
VGM SWAP IT Program

Federal Financial Support for HME Suppliers Handout.pdf

AAHOMECARE Resources
CLICK HERE

The accelerating spread of the COVID-19 virus has significant implications for the full scope of the healthcare continuum, including the HME community.  In response, CMS, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), and the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) have thus far released broadly applicable information related to working with patients and protecting healthcare personnel. This page serves as a resource for the Home Medical Equipment community with all resources in one place. 

CMS

• Comprehensive COVID-19 Resources
  
• Note: the Frequently Asked Questions to Assist Medicare Providers link on that page is broken as of publication of this alert – here is a the correct link; however, there is no DMEPOS-specific info in that document.
  
• Accelerated and Advance Payment Form.pdf
  
• Covid Accelerated Request Form.pdf
  

CDC

• Information for Healthcare Professionals
• Healthcare Infection Prevention and Control FAQs for COVID-19
• Guidance for Public Health Personnel Evaluating Potential Patients & Close Contacts in Home or Non-Home Residential Settings
• Interim Guidance for Healthcare Personnel With Potential Exposure to COVID-19
• FAQs for Healthcare Professionals
• Personal Protective Equipment

OSHA

Guidance for Healthcare Workers

World Health Organization

Some Helpful Links:

State/Local COVID-19 Response
3M Update on Mask Disinfecting
Small Business COVID-19 Briefing
SBA Paycheck Protection Program
US Treasury Small Business Assistance
Staff Letter Sample During Emergency

IRS Paid Leave Information

Respironics machine mask fitting guide videos.docx