Center for Medicare Advocacy

Advancing Access to Medicare and Healthcare

Durable Medical Equipment

Medical Equipment Suppliers’ Ongoing Opposition to the Competitive Bidding Program and Consequences for Beneficiaries

Report prepared by Mario Ramsey, Center for Medicare Advocacy Summer Health Policy FellowI.                   IntroductionSince the introduction of … [Read more...] about Medical Equipment Suppliers’ Ongoing Opposition to the Competitive Bidding Program and Consequences for Beneficiaries

Delivery and Set-Up Guidelines for Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS)

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is charged with the implementation and oversight of the DMEPOS program.[1]  Since the rollout of the DMEPOS competitive bidding program (CBP) in July, 2008, there has been confusion over … [Read more...] about Delivery and Set-Up Guidelines for Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS)

Memorandum: GAO and OIG Reports Note No Problems In Beneficiary Access to DMEPOS. Beneficiary Advocates Disagree.

To: Medicare Beneficiary AdvocatesFrom: Mario D. Ramsey, CMA Health Policy FellowSubject: GAO and OIG Reports Note No Problems In Beneficiary Access to DMEPOS.  Beneficiary Advocates Disagree.Date: July 8, … [Read more...] about Memorandum: GAO and OIG Reports Note No Problems In Beneficiary Access to DMEPOS. Beneficiary Advocates Disagree.

Medicare’s Reluctance to Embrace Technology: Effects on the Coverage of Speech Generating Devices

Technology can help the most vulnerable among us live with more capabilities than we would have considered possible, even a few short years ago.  Rather than encourage technological advances that promote independence and safety, however, the … [Read more...] about Medicare’s Reluctance to Embrace Technology: Effects on the Coverage of Speech Generating Devices

Medicare’s National Mail Order Program for Diabetic Testing Supplies

On July 1, 2013, Medicare Part B will implement a national mail-order competitive bidding program specifically for diabetic testing supplies. [1],[2]  The program applies to all zip codes in the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto … [Read more...] about Medicare’s National Mail Order Program for Diabetic Testing Supplies

Let DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Proceed While Addressing Identified Problems and Concerns

Medicare's Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding Program is once again under attack.  Many questions have been raised about whether the program is fair to providers and whether … [Read more...] about Let DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Proceed While Addressing Identified Problems and Concerns

Center for Medicare Advocacy in Congress, Voicing Concerns on Behalf of Beneficiaries

On May 9, 2012, the Center for Medicare Advocacy (the Center) testified before the Subcommittee on Health, Committee on Ways and Means, U. S. Congress.  The Subcommittee hearing was called by its Chair, Wally Herger (R-CA), to explore the … [Read more...] about Center for Medicare Advocacy in Congress, Voicing Concerns on Behalf of Beneficiaries

CMS to Begin Round Two of Its Competitive Bidding Program for the Provision of Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics and Supplies (DMEPOS)

On August 19, 2011, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced Round 2 of its DMEPOS competitive bidding program.[1]  Bidding is to begin in January 2012.  Round 2 adds more product categories for competitive bidding … [Read more...] about CMS to Begin Round Two of Its Competitive Bidding Program for the Provision of Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics and Supplies (DMEPOS)