HMENews
By Liz Beaulieu Managing Editor — 03.05.2007
WASHINGTON - The HME industry expects Rep. John Tanner, D-Tenn., to re-introduce the Hobson-Tanner bill this week, possibly with two new provisions that would further soften the blow of national competitive bidding.
Rumor has it the bill may include an any-willing-provider provision, allowing any provider to supply HME if he agrees to do so at the competitive bidding price. Previous versions of the bill made that exemption only for small businesses.
The bill may also include a provision requiring CMS to study competitive bidding's affect on access and providers.
"(Rep. Tanner) continues to recognize the concern that competitive bidding creates in the beneficiary and provider communities," said Walt Gorski, vice president of government affairs for AAHomecare.
CMS plans to kick off competitive bidding this year.
