HME Business

Bidding Repeal Bill Makes Gains Despite Break

Providers push H.R. 1041’s total co-sponsorship to 88 lawmakers.

• By David Kopf
• May 05, 2011

The initially fast pace of co-sponsors signing onto H.R. 1041, the House bill introduced by Representatives Glenn Thompson (R-Pa.) and Jason Altmire (D-Pa.) that calls for the repeal of the bid program, has slowed a bit during the Congressional break, but the industry has still picked up five more lawmakers signing on since our April 21 update.

The latest lawmakers to join supporters of competitive bidding repeal are:

Rep. Robert Brady (D-Pa.)
Rep. Steve Israel (D-NY)
Rep. Bill Johnson (R-Ohio)
Rep. Candice Miller (R-Mich.)
Rep. John Tierney (D-Mass.)

Various state and national industry associations have urged providers to drive support for the bill. Letters to the industry distributed by both associations noted that while CMS said it would delay Round Two by six months, the agency has since clarified its position stating that it was still moving forward with the program. Because of this, the associations called on providers to pursue their Representatives with a sense of urgency.

As part of that effort, The American Association for Homecare reported that its memberr Ed Erickson, general manager at Great Plains Homecare Equipment in North Platte, Nebraska, held a briefing at his facility for congressional staff of Rep. Adrian Smith (R-Neb.) and state senator Tom Hansen. Smith serves on the House Ways and Means Committee, which has jurisdiction over Medicare.

Erickson said the three discussed the competitive bidding program and Medicare audits, among other topics, at the Great Plains meeting.  

"Having the congressman’s staff member visit during a recess allowed for a much longer meeting than would normally be allowed if visiting his D.C. office," Erickson said. "The meeting was a great roundtable discussion with the congressman’s legislative assistant, who asked some very good, albeit pointed questions, regarding the future of HME and H.R. 1041."

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