INFORMATION REGARDING COMPETITIVE BIDDING FOR DURABLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT WHEN BEING REQUESTED/REIMBURSED BY MEDICARE: 

Update- Please note that this bill description has been in process since at least the year 2000

108th Congress status on Medicare Modernization and Prescription Drug Act of 2003
1 . Medicare Prescription Drug and Modernization Act of 2003 (Received in Senate from House)[H.R.1.RDS]
2 . Medicare Prescription Drug and Modernization Act of 2003 (Engrossed as Agreed to or Passed by House)[H.R.1.EH]
3 . Medicare Prescription Drug and Modernization Act of 2003 (Introduced in House)[H.R.1.IH]
4 . Medicare Prescription Drug and Modernization Act of 2003 (Introduced in House)[H.R.2473.IH]
5 . Medicare Prescription Drug and Modernization Act of 2003 (Reported in House) H.R.2473.RH

05/29/2009H. R. 4954 Medicare Modernization and Prescription Drug Act of 2003  (Click HERE for 4 versions of the 4 bills, please remember these were before the 107th Congress.

This information is provided only as that, information that will help our constituents make their own decisions regarding the possible outcome of requiring Competitive Bidding for those services provided to Medicare recipients.  There has been much information disseminated throughout various sources that could sway or even frighten Medicare recipients.

We hope this will help clarify some of that information:

Section 511 in ALL 4 presented bills state the following, to ensure competitive bidding;  (Underlines and color are provided by us for your attention.)

"(A) IN GENERAL- The Secretary may not award a contract to any entity under the competition conducted in an competitive acquisition area pursuant to paragraph (1) to furnish such items or services unless the Secretary finds all of the following:` (i) The entity meets quality and financial standards specified by the Secretary or developed by accreditation entities or organizations recognized by the Secretary.` (ii) The total amounts to be paid under the contract (including costs associated with the administration of the contract) are expected to be less than the total amounts that would otherwise be paid.` (iii) Beneficiary access to a choice of multiple suppliers in the area is maintained.` (iv) Beneficiary liability is limited to the applicable percentage of contract award price."

It is our opinion that competitive bidding is a fair way to get the best prices from those who are willing to provide the same services to people on Medicare and still have the ability to be competitive in their normal business.  There would be no fear of loss of any particular services as Medicare will allow the bids based on keeping an access to multiple suppliers.

We feel that this would not take unnecessary advantage of the oxygen Providers.