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For Home-Based Care, Quality Is Required

Posted 10/18/2011

Experts say the process Medicare wants to use to pay for home care is flawed and patients will suffer.

(NAPSI)—It’s hard to create a new government program that nearly everyone dislikes, yet federal regulators have done just that.

A new bidding system in Medicare for durable medical equipment has drawn criticism from economists, patient advocates, and members of Congress alike. Critics say the system designed by Medicare cuts payment rates so deeply that it stifles competition and reduces access to quality care.

The program affects millions of Americans who depend on oxygen therapy, tube feeding, power wheelchairs, CPAP devices, walkers and mail-order diabetic supplies. These are products that allow Medicare beneficiaries to remain safe and independent at home, which saves Medicare dollars.

More than 130 members of Congress support H.R. 1041, a bill to repeal this bidding system. The bill has strong support from Republicans, Democrats and health care provider groups such as the American Association for Homecare.

To learn more, visit www.aahomecare.org/athome. To tell your elected officials what you think of this or other issues, visit www.capwiz.com/aahomecare.

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