AARC Supports DMEPOS Legislation

May 13, 2013

The AARC has just sent a letter of support for the Medicare DMEPOS Market Pricing Program Act of 2013 to two key legislators. Congressmen John Larson (D-CT) and Tom Price, MD, (R-GA) are being urged to support HR 1717 to assure more appropriate provision of lifesaving and life enhancing home respiratory equipment to patients with chronic respiratory conditions.

HR 1717 would replace the current competitive bidding system in place for Medicare DMEPOS. Health analysts have deemed competitive bidding a flawed system that will restrict access to needed home medical equipment for Medicare beneficiaries.

In the letter, AARC President George Gaebler, MBA, RRT, FAARC, notes that medical devices used in the home must be selected with individual patient nuances and requirements in mind and thus should not be subject to a reimbursement policy that views them simply as a “commodities” or “products” subject to the lowest bid price.  

“Oxygen devices and other respiratory support systems and methods continue to evolve, and respiratory patients need to be assured that they will have continued access to these improved technologies, including liquid oxygen,” writes Gaebler.  “We believe an alternative system to competitive bidding can be used which will help patients avoid costly exacerbations and improve their respiratory quality of life.”