October 14, 2009

ACTION ALERT: Competitive Bidding Repeal Legislation Introduced in the House

Contact Your Representative and Urge Their Support!

Congressman Kendrick Meek (D-FL) joined by 16 original co-sponsors has introduced the bipartisan H.R. 3790 in the U.S. House of Representatives. The budget neutral legislation seeks to repeal Medicare's deeply flawed and ineffective competitive bidding program for Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics and Supplies (DMEPOS). The Round One Rebid is poised to begin on October 21, 2009.
 
H.R. 3790, if passed, proposes to pay for the repeal by:

• Eliminating the CPI-U updates for all DME in 2010, 2011, and 2012 (this CPI-U update was set in the 2008 MIPPA legislation), except for group 3 or higher complex rehab, and reducing all DME payments by 0.25 percentage points.
• In 2013, all DME would receive a CPI-U update.
• In 2014, the CPI-U for all DME would be eliminated, except for group 3 or higher complex rehab, which would receive a CPI-U update plus 2 percentage points.
• In 2015, All DME, except group 3 or higher complex rehab would receive no CPI-U update. In 2015, all DME fees would also receive a 0.5 percentage point reduction.
• After 2015, the full CPI-U would be restored.

The net give back for these 5 years is expected to be at least 10%, added to the current 9.5% reduction in 2009 would result in a 19.5% savings to Medicare.
 
Next steps and how you can help:

• HIDA is in the process of analyzing the legislation and working with the bill sponsors, Members of Congress, and other associations and stakeholder groups to ensure that the bill gains enough support and traction in the appropriate committee's of jurisdiction.
• HIDA has been in touch with Rep. Meek's office a number of times and is in the process of securing a meeting with Rep. Meek's Chief of Staff to further discuss the bill language and understand how we can help target key committee members for support.
• We will begin reaching out to the membership for grassroots congressional support. This will involve a robust letter writing campaign, phone calls, emails, and increased communication and coordination. If your Representative is not currently listed as a co-sponsor please contact them and ask them to cosponsor the bill. We have provided a template letter and talking points for your convenience. You can also call the main switchboard at 1-800-828-0498 and ask for your Representative's office.

Now that a repeal bill has been introduced the hard work of rallying support for the legislation begins! We need your help and look forward to working more closely with you.  If you have any questions at all please call Amy Michael at 703-838-6121.