AAHOMECARE PRAISES VOTE, CALLS FOR QUICK ACTION

Following a bipartisan vote in the House Ways and Means Committee that moved H.R. 284, the Medicare DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Improvement Act of 2015 forward, the American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare) released a statement praising the Committee’s work and pushing for quick action to pass the legislation.

“Today’s mark-up of the Competitive Bidding Improvement Act in the House Ways and Means Committee is a critical step forward for this bipartisan, budget neutral legislation that will bring common sense to the Medicare bidding process. It has been a year in the making and reflects the tireless work of homecare advocates, AAHomecare members and Medicare beneficiaries. The bill Ways and Means considered today will restore accountability, alleviate artificially low prices and deter unlicensed providers. We understand the Chairman’s mark is slightly amended to reflect that binding bids would not be required for the current Round 2 Recompete. The bill gives Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) the authority to do binding bids in the next round, but requires it by 2019. This is a strong sign that Congress recognizes one of the most serious flaws in the competitive bidding program and will take substantive action to eliminate it. The Association is dedicated to building upon this effort and making sure this new requirement is effective for the next round of bidding and addressing the drastic cuts in non-competitive bidding areas that are due to take effect on January 1, 2016. AAHomecare maintains its commitment to protecting patient access to quality home medical equipment and services and we look forward to working with Congress and CMS to see this implemented as soon as possible.”

The American Association for Homecare represents durable medical equipment providers, manufacturers, and others in the homecare community that serve the medical needs of millions of Americans who require oxygen systems, wheelchairs, medical supplies, inhalation drug therapy, and other medical equipment and services in their homes. Members operate more than 3,000 homecare locations in all 50 states. Visit www.aahomecare.org.