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Round 2 Bidding Results Raise Red Flags

Pro2 LLC and People for Quality CareThe results of the Round 2 competitive bidding program are raising red flags when it comes to patient care. This program will go into effect on July 1, 2013, so the time to speak out is now.

People for Quality Care analyzed 17 Competitive Bidding Areas (CBAs) throughout the country and found that on average, bid-winning medical equipment providers were located more than 500 miles from the center of that geographic area. Senior citizens and people with disabilities throughout the CBA will be required to get their medical equipment from far away.

This leads to many concerns by beneficiaries and People for Quality Care that medical equipment will be delivered to beneficiaries without assistance from a professionally trained provider. Interviews of beneficiaries from Round 1 already show that, in some areas of the country, providers are spending less time inside the homes of beneficiaries. That time, used to instruct the patient how to use and maintain the equipment, is no longer available because of an influx of Medicare patients assigned to providers in larger delivery areas. Here are some of their other concerns:
• Delays in receiving equipment will disrupt the health and lives of beneficiaries and caregivers.
• Delays in receiving equipment will cause increased visits to the ER or hospitalization.
• The trusting, personal relationship formed between beneficiary and provider will be gone.

The graphs below summarize their analysis, which includes the following bidding areas:

Wichita, KS, Colorado Springs, CO, Denver-Aurora-Broomfield, CO, Salt Lake City, UT, Milwaukee- Waukesha - West Allis, WI, Minneapolis - St. Paul - Bloomington, MN-WI, Omaha, Council Bluffs, NE-IA, Detroit-Warren-Liyonia, MI, Flint, MI, Grand Rapids - Wyoming, MI, Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta, GA, Augusta - Richmond County, GA-SC, Chattanooga, TN-GA, Central - Chicago Metro CBA, Northern - Chicago Metro CBA, Southwest - Chicago Metro CBA, St. Louis, MO

It's not too late to voice your opinion about this issue. After the graphs is a link for you to contact your Congress person in support of H.R. 1717.

CBA Provider Proximity

Distance from CBA Center to Provider

Take Action!

H.R. 1717, the Market Pricing Program Act of 2013, was introduced by Rep. Tom Price (R-Ga.) and Rep. John Larson (D-Conn.), and it needs support. The bill will repeal the current competitive bidding program that is causing a variety of problems for Medicare beneficiaries and replace it with the Market Pricing Program (MPP). The MPP will create better access to medical equipment and service. Read more about the Market Pricing Program.

Please take a moment to email your representative now and ask them to sign the bill. It's as easy as 1-2-3.
1. Click on this link.
2. Review the letter and add your own opinions if you like.
3. Add your personal information and send.

Pro2 LLC

Reprinted with permission from People for Quality Care.

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