Medicare To Expand Competitive Bidding For Supplies

Medicare is expanding competitive bidding for durable medical equipment (DME) and supplies. On January 30, 2013, the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the single payment amounts and began the contracting process for the first procurement round. In July 2013, Medicare beneficiaries in 91 metropolitan areas will be able to buy DME and supplies from the selected contractors at much lower prices than before. CMS reported that the Medicare price for a wheelchair will be 36% lower; oxygen and oxygen equipment will cost 41% less; hospital beds will cost 44% less; and walkers will cost 46% less . . .