The American Association for Homecare has created a task force to develop an alternative to competitive bidding, and says that it will work to get Congress to consider a different approach to the bidding program which AAHomecare says “manifested many shortcomings during its flawed implementation over the past year.”

The news comes as CMS announced that it is calling for nominees for its Program Advisory and Oversight Committee to help shape the next phase of competitive bidding, the implementation of which was delayed for at least 18 months by Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008.

“The bidding program would have negative effects on both HME providers and the patients who require these items and services,” said CMS President and CEO Tyler Wilson, in a prepared statement. “The bidding program has the potential to eliminate approximately 90 percent of Medicare providers in specified markets and aggressive bidding will lead to a significant reduction in services and quality of care. The Association has determined that it must seek an alternative mechanism to promote accurate reimbursement rates for homecare items, services, and therapies.”