Medicare Rescinds Speech-Generating Device Policies (from ASHA)

Medicare Rescinds Speech-Generating Device Policies  The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has informed ASHA that they are rescinding the policies from the February Durable Medical Equipment (DME) contractors “Coverage Reminder” that required speech-generating devices (SGDs) to undergo product approval and reclassification, and are opening up the National Coverage Determination for a 30-day comment period ending December 6, 2014. This decision is consistent with the recommendations that ASHA proposed to CMS in a September 24, 2014, meeting with CMS officials. The capped-rental rule, forcing Medicare beneficiaries to rent the SGD for 13 months before ownership is transferred, is still in effect. ASHA will continue to work with the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Association and other key stakeholders for coordinated comments and revision recommendations. ASHA’s Special Interest Group 12 (Augmentative and Alternative Communication), ASHA staff, and SGD manufacturers will be hosting a discussion regarding SGD policies during the ASHA Convention on Thursday, November 20, from 7:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m., in the Hyatt Regency Ballroom K. This is an opportunity for ASHA members to ask panelists about Medicare policies related to SGDs. This is not a session offered for CEUs.