The Competitive Bidding Patient Advocacy Line is the easiest way for patients, caregivers, home health nurses, case managers, physicians and others to make their voices heard about Medicare’s Flawed Bidding Program in Home Medical Equipment. It is a toll free number that will connect the caller to their legislator by simply entering their zip code. A similar system is used by the American Medical Association, because it is the easiest way for seniors and the disabled to engage their Member of Congress.

In the Fall of 2011, Medicare will begin registration for a flawed “competitive bidding” program, affecting 95% of the Home Medical Equipment prescribed for patients. The program will affect beneficiaries in 100 of the largest metropolitan areas, including the District of Columbia and 43 other states. Medicare will accept “bids” and only the companies who submit the lowest prices will be able to serve Medicare patients.

The problem is that in the first phase of the program, Medicare awarded contracts to Out-of-Area, Inexperienced and Financially Bankrupt companies. The bidders created new, unrealistically low reimbursement prices for Home Medical Equipment and Supplies. In most cases, the rates are far below the cost to provide quality equipment and supplies. “Bid Winners” have found it impossible to offer timely services and maintain the standards of an accredited and bonded business. In the first phase, many local, established providers have already closed their businesses.

Medicare refuses to make simple changes to the program. They will still accept the lowest prices from out of state, inexperienced and financially bankrupt companies. This will create a severe access issues for patients and the healthcare community, which relies on local Home Medical Equipment companies for timely hospital discharges and support on life sustaining systems such as Oxygen, Respiratory Assist Devices and Tube Feeding Pumps. Please enter the information so we can send you the materials to participate.

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