COPD Info

Beginning Jan 2011, competitive bidding will replace the current "standard fee" system in selected areas. This was briefly implemented in 2008, then stopped by congress with the passing of the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act. This marks the beginning of implementing Medicare's competitive bidding program, which will be used to determine the price Medicare pays for certain durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies. Included in the lists are oxygen concentrators, walkers, wheel chairs, prosthetic limbs, and hospital beds.

The cuts will go into effect at the beginning of 2011 in the following cities: Charlotte, N.C.; Cincinnati; Cleveland; Dallas; Kansas City, Mo.; Miami; Orlando; Pittsburgh; and Riverside, Calif.

It is anticipated that it will result in a 31-32% reduction in the rates for the DME suppliers.

The American Association for Homecare, which opposes competitive bidding, said the new bidding program relies on "suicide bids" that will drive DME suppliers out of business.

source:http://www.medpagetoday.com/PublicHealthPolicy/Medicare/21019

More Info: http://www.portableoxygen.org

The last U.S.health care reform plan closes the Part D "doughnut hole", which is the gap in drug coverage where, after a certain amount, individuals with Medicare have to pay for the entire expense of their own prescription medications with their own money.

Everyone who reaches this in 2010 will receive a $250 rebate. Health care reform phases out the doughnut hole by decreasing the consumer's share of drug costs during the doughnut hole until it reaches 25 percent in 2020 for both brand-name and generic drugs. However, the phase-out works differently for brand-name and generic drugs.

The charts at the Medicarerights.org website show how much the consumer will pay during the doughnut hole for both brand-name and generic drugs through 2020, when the phase-out will be complete.

See Charts: http://www.medicarerights.org/pdf/Closing-the-Doughnut-Hole-Chart.pdf