WASHINGTON, D.C., July 11, 2013—Just nine days into Round 2, AAHomecare is receiving reports of delays, equipment shortages and contractors refusing services in bid areas around the country. Yet, CMS is reporting just a few dozen complaints.
Don’t let CMS pull the wool over Congress’ eyes! It is absolutely vital that Representatives and Senators hear from HME providers like you and your patients—current or former—about problems with the bidding program. An effective way to pressure Congress to stop bidding and replace it with the market pricing program is for them to hear horror stories directly from their constituents.
To make the biggest impact, AAHomecare is coordinating efforts with VGM, The MED Group and state associations to hold a virtual fly-in next Thursday, July 18, for providers and patients from all across the country. This virtual fly-in is your opportunity to tell Congress about problems you or your patients have experienced since the implementation of Round 2.
AAHomecare will send providers information about problems collected in each state, as well as a website address to use when emailing Representatives and Senators (http://action.aahomecare.org) and a phone number staffed by operators who will put callers through to congressional offices.
Thank you for everything you have done so far in the effort to stop “competitive” bidding. Please join us and take action by phone, fax or e-mail on July 18. If you have any questions, contact AAHomecare’s Jay Witter at jayw@aahomecare.org. When you receive feedback from your e-mails and calls, please forward to him. Also visit www.aahomecare.org.