A bi-partisan sign-on letter regarding CMS’s plan to move forward with mandatory bundling of CPAP devices has been sent to CMS Administrator Seema Verma.
CMS plans to test a bundling program in 10 geographic areas that would provide a single payment for bundled CPAP devices and resupply items, such as masks and tubing. The plan also would see beneficiaries perpetually rent their devices, rather than own them, which could cause problems for traveling and relocating patients. It also notes that competitive bidding statute does not appear to give CMS the authority to test alternative payment models.
The letter asks CMS to withdraw the proposed CPAP bundling test from the next competitive bidding round, and instead encourages the agency to prioritize needed reforms to the bidding process to stabilize the program.
The letter was launched by Reps. Tim Walberg (R-Minn), Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.), Scott Peters (D-Calif.) and Michael Bishop (R-Mich.), and ultimately gained 31 co-signers.
The full text of the letter and co-signers can be viewed here.