April 17, 2009

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS ALERT

84 Lawmakers Urge White House to Halt DMEPOS Competitive Bidding

In a bipartisan effort announced today, 84 members of Congress have urged the White House and federal policymakers to rescind a controversial Medicare competitive bidding rule before its April 18 deadline.

The move by lawmakers to have CMS, HHS, and the White House stop the program’s implementation comes amid a large-scale grassroots effort by those poised to be impacted by the roll out.

“In two days over 300 HIDA member letters were sent to Congressional lawmakers urging them to stop the program,” said Matthew J. Rowan, HIDA president and CEO. “We are being heard on Capitol Hill, but HIDA's lobbying efforts with CMS will continue.”

The interim final rule, which requires a re-bid of Round One of the competitive bidding program for durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics and supplies (DMEPOS), was issued on Jan. 16, 2009. Despite the industry's push for withdrawal, CMS issued a statement this afternoon confirming that the rule will take effect tomorrow, April 18.

Sincerely,

HIDA Advocacy Team

Health Industry Distributors Association
310 Montgomery Street
Alexandria, VA  22314
(703) 549-4432
(703) 549-6495 fax