HME Business

The Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act, the law that has delayed competitive bidding for Medicare DMEPOS until it's reformed, goes a step further. It revokes the transfer of ownership of oxygen equipment to patients, according to a summary on American Association for Homecare's Web site.

Section 144 of H.R. 6331 makes the transfer of ownership of oxygen equipment that was enacted in the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 obsolete. The law does not repeal the oxygen rental cap of 36 months. Instead of transferring ownership to patients, providers will maintain ownership of the equipment. According to AAHomecare after the 36th month, the supplier will furnish equipment during any period of medical need throughout the duration of the equipment's lifetime, which is to be determined by the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

In a summary, AAhomecare states that payments for oxygen contents will be made after the 36th month. However, rental payments for oxygen equipment are still subject to the 36-month cap. If the secretary determines them as reasonable and necessary, maintenance and service payments will also be made. For more information on the bill summary, go to www.aahomecare.org