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Background: The Medicare Modernization Act of 2003 (MMA) requires Medicare to replace the current HME payment methodology for certain items with a selective contracting process called "competitive" bidding. The MMA allows the Secretary to contract with as few providers as the Secretary determines necessary to provide items and services in highly populated areas to meet the anticipated demand. Any provider not awarded a contract would be prohibited from providing bidded Medicare items for a three-year period.
The program is expected to be fully implemented in January 2011, affecting the first nine metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs). Under the MMA, the program would then expand 70 additional MSAs in the subsequent years and bid rates could be implemented in additional MSAs, including rural areas, thereafter. Moreover, a provision in the recently-passed Health Care Reform Bill expands the "competitive" bidding program to an additional 21 MSAs in the second round. This expansion further threatens the quality of service to Medicare beneficiaries who rely on home medical equipment, as well as the number of jobs that will be lost upon full implementation of the program.
CALL TO ACTION!
We must continue to work with our members of Congress to STOP “competitive” bidding! In Oct. 2009, Congressman Kendrick Meek (D-Fla.) introduced H.R. 3790 to repeal the fatally flawed program. Since its introduction, the bill has garnered over half of the House’s support, thanks to industry efforts. However, the work is not done and the baton must not be dropped. We must keep up our efforts! Go to the VGM DC Link now, where you may contact your legislators via e-mail with template letters that are provided.
Contact your representative
Please ask your representative to preserve access to homecare by signing on to H.R. 3790.
*NOTE: If your representative has already signed on, please be sure that you extend your gratitude.
Contact your senator(s)
With over half of the House members signed on to H.R. 3790, focus must also begin to shift to the Senate to introduce a Companion Bill. Please ask your senators to consider sponsoring legislation in the Senate that would replace the Medicare "competitive" bidding program for durable medical equipment.
Talking Points/Studies
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