It’s been a while since my last blog on Medicare’s competitive bidding program for Durable Medical Equipment (DME). It’s important to realize that this program has moved forward despite its many flaws! It will decrease access to products and services that are vital to consumers function and participation in daily living. More clinical and consumer voices are needed to help our Congressional Representatives understand that this program must be eliminated.
On September 26, 2010 auction experts and economists sent a letter to Ways and Means Health Subcommittee Chairman Pete Stark (Democrat from California). The economists noted that due to a “collection” of problems, in time the program will descend to a “race to the bottom”. This will likely lead to DME suppliers becoming unreliable and the quality of service and products will deteriorate.
Here is a copy of the complete letter sent, and an interview in HME News with Peter Cramton, the University of Maryland economist who got 167 economists and auction experts to sign the letter. Please take a moment to read it, as this flawed program will eventually impact you or someone you love, unless action is taken now!
TAKE ACTION, ENSURE ACCESS:
Contact your members of Congress and let them know what you think about Medicare’s Competitive bidding of DME. Use this quick link to help you contact them. You can also help spread the word by viewing the video below, “Jenny Takes on Capitol Hill” and sharing it with your referral sources, clients, friends and families.
Have you thought about your future needs for DME /Complex Rehab Technology recently? If so, what are you doing to ensure access to needed equipment?
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