A new bill in the Senate, S.3144, is calling for at least an 18-month delay for implementation of competitive bidding.

The bi-partisan bill, called the Medicare DMEPOS Competitive Acquisition Reform Act of 2008, was introduced by Senators Max Baucus (D-Mont.) and Charles Grassley (R-Iowa).

The new legislation is identical companion bill to H.R. 6252, which was introduced by Representatives Pete Stark (D-Calif.) and David Camp (R- Mich.).

The House bill currently counts more than 80 co-sponsors and the Senate bill has nearly 30 co-sponsors.

Both AAHomecare and NAIMES are urging providers to contact their Senators and Representatives to support both bills.