AHCA Proposed Rule Hearing Report: Durable Medical Equipment and Medical Supply Services Coverage and Limitations Handbook

On Monday, July 14, 2008, the Florida Agency for Healthcare Administration (“AHCA”) held a public hearing on changes to proposed Rule 59G-4.070 relating to Durable Medical Equipment and Medical Supplies.  To view the meeting notice and proposed Rule text, click here. 

AHCA representatives Michael Bolan and Dan Gabric presided over the hearing.  The purpose of the proposed Rule change is to incorporate by reference the Florida Medicaid Durable Medical Equipment and Medical Supply Services Coverage and Limitations Handbook, July 2008.  The revised Handbook includes the policy and procedure code changes mandated by the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), revised policies mandated by CS/HB 7083ER, and updated service requirements. The Handbook also contains the policies for certain products that were transferred from the Medicaid Prescribed Drug Program to the Medicaid Durable Medical Equipment and Medical Supplies Program in 2005. 

At the hearing, two insurance industry representatives expressed concerns regarding some of the proposed changes.  The concerns related to changes to the regulation of infusion pump supplies and wheelchairs with customized seating as an orthotic device, as well as a 30-day notice requirement to submit certain information.  The AHCA representatives did not provide feedback on the verbal comments.  Rather, Mr. Bolan encouraged the interested parties to provide written comments. 

Comments from interested parties should be submitted to Mr. Gabric at gabricd@ahca.myflorida.com by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, July 18, 2008.  If the proposed Rule is substantively amended based on these comments, a Notice of Change will be published in Florida Administrative Weekly.  If that occurs, interested parties will have an additional 21 days to provide comments to the changes. 

Should you have any questions or need additional information, please feel free to contact Colodny Fass.

 

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