Competitive Bidding Law
 

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is at it again. Their preparing to allow the Lowest Bidder provide Complex Power Wheelchairs and Seating Systems!

This message was sent to me by my disability resource center. Please pass it along to as many people as possible.

I am asking for your help to stop a Medicare law that will devastate persons in wheelchairs. A competitive bidding law was passed that includes complex rehab equipment. On May 9th two reppresentatives introduced an Act that will make the Complex Rehab Equipment exempt from the law. It is imperative to "carve out" the Vomplex Rehab Equipment from this law because it allows the lowest bidder to provide a complex seating system or power wheelchair or speech generating device. This competitive bidding does not take into account any expertise from the vendor or skill level from the vendor let alone, the rapport that the wheelchair bound person may have developed over the years with their vendor. I can tell you from personal experience that some vendors may have "Medicare required credentials" but do not provide adequate equipment, follow-up, or service to their clients.

This competitive bidding is currently being trialed in 10 metropolitan areas across the U.S.! If this is not stopped, a person who requires a wheelchair cannot choose the best or most qualified or even use the same vendor that they have relied on throughout their life for their equipment.

Please go to http://www.ComplexRehab.org for complete background information and to access the tools to get this legislation passed. Click on the TAKE ACTION button to email your Senators and Representative asking for their support of Bill HR-2231. Follow up your email with a phone call to their local offices to get their commitment of support. Most importantly spread the word and get as many others to follow your lead.

Barb

Thanks for the heads-up, Barb. I for one had not heard of this law, and it's quite possible it might directly affect me in the future. I'll be sure to let all my state's representives know how I feel about this chicanary.

Idealist

Thanks for posting this.My son's seating system has to be custom designed .I will remind my state representative how important seating is as a preventative measure against conditions such as skin break down and in matters related to breathing and so on.My son's seating system is vital to his health and expensive but it works for him and he has none of the usual complications he might have otherwise. medicaid paid for it but might not again if this new law passes.

Me again.I followed the link and saw that they provide plenty of examples.I have followed up with my own letter though with specifics involving my son.I really like that site too.I have bookmarked it.