Tuesday, May 6, 2008

The Industry’s Impact on Capitol Hill

As the House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee gears up to hear from the American Association for Homecare and CMS on the DME competitive bidding program today, their reading material will include articles in the Washington Post and the Wall Street Journal.

The Post quotes Rep. Pete Stark (D-Calif.) talking about oxygen patients lobbying Congress, saying, “It’s a gimmick the providers have used for years. I think it's hokey… I like to think we are able to make an objective decision based on facts. I don't want to make these decisions based on an emotional appeal."

However in the Wall Street Journal Stark says he’d like to see the competitive bidding program “scrapped.” He feel action will be taken again the program but is uncertain of whether it will be done in 2008 or 2009. For the homecare industry and Medicare patients they serve, the question of timing is a big issue and they will continue to lobby Congress until concerns for the program are addressed.

We encourage you to visit these articles and post comments online.
Washington Post: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/05/05/AR2008050502302.html

Wall Street Journal: http://online.wsj.com/public/article_print/SB121003642419969439.html

Wall Street Journal Blog: http://blogs.wsj.com/health/2008/05/06/vendors-fight-medicare-on-competitive-bids-for-medical-equipment/?mod=WSJBlog

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