Philadelphia teleconference on competitive bidding attracts 6,600

Thousands of concerned seniors and caregivers in Philadelphia joined a Feb. 7 town hall teleconference to learn how Medicare’s competitive bidding program will affect access to quality home medical equipment and timely service. The call was hosted by Last Chance for Patient Choice, a nonprofit 527 affiliated with VGM Group, Inc., in conjunction with People for Quality Care, an advocacy organization formed by VGM to advocate for durable medical equipment users, and the Pennsylvania Association of Medical Suppliers. The call brought consumers and health care professionals together to discuss the consequences of competitive bidding. A total of 6,600 participants listened in on the panel discussion, answered poll questions and took part in a Q&A session.