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It should come as no surprise that CMS made their announcement of the “winning” bid rates at the dawn of our nation’s birthday, Independence Day. Many would rather enjoy the holiday with their family and friends than worry about the new, suicide rates under “competitive” bidding. As you know, the agency is claiming it will save an average of 32 percent with this flawed program, noting that beneficiaries will continue to receive “high-quality products….” When one factors the 9.5% cut that providers have already taken since 2008, this SUICIDE BID amounts to a 38 – 40% cut. What business could sustain a cut of that magnitude?
It’s time that providers across the country get “HOPPING MAD” about these suicide bid rates and fueled up to get in front of their Congressional members. While they celebrate during this holiday, they also need to make an impact with their Congressional members. We only have a small window of time to get this fixed! Providers across the country must get moving and active! If you haven’t gotten involved, NOW IS THE TIME TO START! All providers, including those in non-CBAs, must talk to their Congressional members (House and Senate) while they are home for the July 4 District Work Period. Attend events that your Congressional members are attending (i.e. July 4 events). Employees, family, and beneficiaries should also join! Contact information may be found on the VGM DC Link (www.vgmdclink.com). Enter the ZIP Code under “Find your officials.” A list of both Congressional and state officials will be pulled up. Click on the name of a Congressional official for his or her contact information. Handouts may be found on the VGM Web site here.
GET EVERY EMPLOYEE AND EVERY BENEFICIARY TO CALL
(202) 224-3121 and raise the issues of the SUICIDE BID.
Call the local congressional office today!
Remember that this is an election year, so Congressional members will be in their home districts working on their campaigns. This is the providers’ opportunity to get in front of them and talk about the concerns of competitive bidding! It will limit access to care and quality products and it will cost thousands of jobs! ENSURE THAT YOUR LEGISLATORS UNDERSTAND WHAT WILL HAPPEN IN NON-CBA AND RURAL AREAS WHEN MEDICAID AND THIRD PARTY PAYERS JUMP ON THESE RATES
The following are points that should be made with their House representative and their senators:
WILL COST MORE THAN 100,000 JOBS – The bidding program will result in the closing of thousands of small businesses and result in more than 100,000 jobs lost nationwide. In a political environment where the government is working to create more jobs, Congress must be reminded that additional job loss should be avoided. Please use the Jobs Handouts for reference.
SACRIFICES CARE FOR SENIORS AND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES – Competitive bidding will reduce patient access and choice for quality HME items and services.
SACRIFICES QUALITY CARE – Because the contracts have gone to low bidders, the quality of the products will be sacrificed, as well as service. Additionally with the loss of local providers, efficient deliver and quality service will also be eliminated.
PROGRAM IS ANTI-COMPETITIVE – During the first round of competitive bidding in 2008, 90 percent of home medical equipment and service providers would have been barred from providing items and services to Medicare beneficiaries. Because the bid program reduces the number of market competitors, competitive bidding is anti-competitive.
NOT COST-EFFECTIVE FOR MEDICARE – Competitive bidding will lead to more expensive, longer hospital stays, shifting costs from Medicare Bart B to Part A. Home medical equipment is the most cost-effective and a preferred alternative to expensive institutional care. It is also the slowest-growing portion of Medicare. For example, a day of oxygen therapy costs less that $7 per day. Meanwhile, a day in the hospital costs more than $5,500 per day. The bidding program will increase Medicare costs.
PROVIDERS IN RURAL, NON-CBAs WILL ALSO BE AFFECTED – Third party payers and Medicaid reimbursement rates will begin to reflect the suicide bid rates, resulting in the closure of local, independent businesses and costing more jobs. This will also threaten access to quality care and services to Medicare beneficiaries in rural areas.
PLEASE TAKE ACTION NOW! LEGISLATORS NEED TO KNOW THAT WE ARE “HOPPING MAD” ABOUT THESE SUICIDE RATES.
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