Healthcare Reform Bill Might Delay the delivery of Mobility and Medical Equipment for the Disabled
In reviewing current Medicare legislation, it looks like seniors will have a much harder time getting home health care products, particularly durable medical equipment like power chairs. Part of the reason for this is because this is an area that was abused by some equipment providers, who made promises of full Medicare payment for senior citizens who purchased their equipment.
As a result of several cases of Medicare fraud a much more stringent application process is now in place, but the downside of this is that some Medicare beneficiaries who truly qualify for power wheelchairs may experience delays in getting the medical equipment they need. While most of the reform in Medicare legislation is aimed at making it more difficult for providers to submit false claims, it also has the potential to adversely affect senior citizens and other beneficiaries.
Because of some new rules affecting the coverage of power wheelchairs, some providers are worried they might go out of business. This is because Medicare beneficiaries who qualify for a power wheelchair will no longer be able to purchase a power wheelchair during the first month after it is prescribed. They will continue to have the option of renting the chair for up to 13 months, but without the option to purchase during the first month, medical equipment suppliers expect this to adversely affect their cash flow.
In their efforts to pay for an overhaul of the health care system, most providers would be willing to accept a lower reimbursement rate for their equipment as long as they are able to continue offering a first month purchase option. However, in their rush to pay for health care reform, many lawmakers fail to recognize the impact their decisions will have on the medical equipment industry.
While competitive bidding is expected to save millions, the new process was put together rather quickly and without much thought about how it would affect the chronically ill and disabled. The medical equipment industry is eager to work with the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services to correct the most pressing problems endemic to the programs, but they want to do so in a way that allows patients to get the critical care that they need without delay.
