Voinovich Writes Leavitt about Competitive Bidding, Mobility Coverage

WASHINGTON–Ohio Sen. George Voinovich, one of the HME
industry’s staunchest political advocates, recently sent two
letters to HHS Secretary Michael Leavitt pointing out his
constituents’ concerns about CMS’ plans for DME competitive bidding
and Medicare’s new mobility coverage policy.

“While I understand the need to control Medicare’s costs, I
continue to have concerns about how the national competitive
bidding program for durable medical equipment will affect
beneficiary access to quality services and supplies, as well as the
livelihood of small businesses currently providing durable medical
equipment in local or regional areas,” Voinovich wrote in a letter
dated June 29.

He also said home care providers have stressed to him the
importance of finalizing supplier quality standards as soon as
possible to give their businesses time to become accredited and
prepare for the bidding process. “Without standards, my
constituents argue, even with the federal protections governing all
government contracts and contractors, competitive acquisition could
attract providers who may not be committed to quality and who may
provide substandard services to beneficiaries,” the letter
stated.

CMS has said that it plans to release a draft of the quality
standards this summer, and a proposed rule on national competitive
bidding is scheduled for release in September. Both are mandated by
the Medicare Modernization Act.

In a separate letter, Voinovich addressed CMS’ new mobility NCD,
which was released May 5. Of primary concern, he said, CMS needs to
release companion regulations and policies–including a
face-to-face physician exam requirement and a clearly defined set
of documentation requirements for those providing equipment–so
physicians, clinicians and suppliers can better understand the new
policy. (See story above.)

Another provider concern, he wrote, is that CMS needs to explain
that a beneficiary will qualify for coverage of equipment if it is
needed to participate in any mobility-related activity of daily
living in the home–not just those listed in the NCD.