Diabetes stakeholders oppose competitive bidding
This article was originally published in The Gray Sheet
Executive Summary
The National Association of Chain Drug Stores maintains that inclusion of diabetes products in the impending DMEPOS competitive bidding program may prevent patient access to the most appropriate equipment and supplies. NACDS cites a report by Health Policy R&D, indicating that failing to control glucose levels is significantly more costly than the costs of glucose meters and related supplies. The request to exclude diabetes products reiterates pleas made by industry stakeholders during a Program Advisory & Oversight Committee meeting in Sept. 2005 (1"The Gray Sheet" Oct. 3, 2005, p. 15). Under Sec. 302 of the Medicare Modernization Act, durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics and supplies will be subject to competitive bidding in 2007 (2"The Gray Sheet" Jan. 23, 2006, p. 16)...