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
