New Program for Diabetic Testing Supplies Triggers Avalanche of Questions

One element of Round 2 of competitive bidding that is creating consternation in the HME industry is the competition to provide mail-order supplies nationwide. Unlike all other product categories, diabetic supplies are being grouped into one national competitive bidding area.

Mike Hamilton, executive director of the Alabama Durable Medical Equipment Association (ADMEA), said his organization has been inundated with questions from providers about the program. He tells members that after July 1, 2013, the only way they can sell diabetic supplies to any Medicare beneficiary is to have the products picked up at a provider’s place of business.

“You can’t mail them; you can’t ship them on UPS; you can’t even deliver them in your own vehicles,’’ he noted last week in a message to ADMEA members. “Unless your customer is willing to come (or send someone) to your store and pay a higher price, they will be forced to obtain diabetic supplies from a bid winner who accepted a contract from CMS to provide such products everywhere.”

And forget about trying to enter the competition at this stage. Getting all the necessary licenses and permits to complete a bid on the Medicare timetable would be impossible for nearly any business, he noted.

The following codes are included: A4233KL, replacement battery; A4234KL, replacement battery; A4235KL, replacement battery; A4236KL, replacement battery; A4253KL, blood glucose test or reagent strips; A4256KL, normal, low and high calibrator solution/chips; A4258KL, spring-powered device for lancet; and A4259KL, lancets.