Bill introduced to repeal competitive bidding program
This article was originally published in The Gray Sheet
Executive Summary
H.R. 3790 is introduced Oct. 13 in the House by Rep. Kendrick Meek, D-Fla., and 34 cosponsors to end Medicare's controversial competitive bidding program for durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics and supplies (DMEPOS). The bill would halt a bidding process that began in nine metropolitan areas on Oct. 21. CMS says the competitive bidding program would save Medicare up to $1 billion annually once fully implemented, but the American Association for Homecare, which represents equipment makers and home health care providers, argues that the bidding program will drive DMEPOS retailers out of business and ultimately reduce patient access to care (1"The Gray Sheet" Aug. 17, 2009). A lobbying drive by DMEPOS manufacturers and home health care advocates in 2008 moved Congress to make changes and delay the implementation date (2"The Gray Sheet" July 14, 2008)