Care Medical’s Call to Arms

PORTLAND, Ore.—With behind-the-scenes work progressing on
a bill that would repeal competitive bidding, an open
letter to the industry from Care Medical & Rehabilitation
Equipment Wednesday called on providers for their support —
and support from their members of Congress — for sign-on
letters from Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Rep. Kurt Schrader,
D-Ore., about the DMEPOS bidding program.
 
According to the call to arms from Angelene Adler, vice president
of operations for the Portland, Ore.-based provider, she fears a
“lack of concern” and notes both lawmakers have delayed
release of their letters, which are addressed to HHS Secretary
Kathleen Sebelius.
 
“We simply cannot miss this opportunity to show such
influential members of Congress that there is support for common
sense reform in our industry,” Adler said.

She noted Wyden’s letter “addresses his
reservations regarding the many unresolved administrative issues
which compromise the competitive bidding program, and proposes an
‘any willing provider’ clause to maintain a competitive
marketplace.” (Senators can add signatures by contacting Mary
Polce-Lynch at [email protected].)

Schrader’s letter, she said, cites his concerns not
only about competitive bidding but also about reimbursement
reductions for complex rehab equipment, the recent Medicare repair
and labor billing policy “and points out the importance of
the DME industry to containing overall health care
expenditures.” (Representatives can add signatures by
contacting Jon Stern at [email protected].)

“It is essential that DME providers nationwide contact and
encourage their members of Congress to ‘sign on’ in
support of Sen. Wyden’s and Rep. Schrader’s letters,”
Adler wrote. “We desperately need your assistance in
developing heightened awareness and credibility to our message that
home care is a critical part of the solution to our nation’s health
care crisis. Please contact your members of Congress
today!”
 
The deadline for sign-on is Wednesday, July 29.