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06/06/2013

Ohio Congressional Delegation Requests Administrative Delay for Medicare Bidding Program

The Ohio Congressional delegation sent a letter on June 5 to CMS Acting Administrator Marilyn Tavenner requesting a delay of the Round 2 Medicare DME bidding program.  The request was made based on the discovery of suppliers who were awarded exclusive contracts under the bidding program in the six new Ohio bidding areas but who do not hold the proper state licenses and/registration to operate in the state.

Round 1 of the controversial program is currently operating in Cincinnati and Cleveland, as well as seven other bidding areas nationwide, and had similar credentialing issues.  Round 2 is scheduled to launch on July 1 and includes 91 more bidding areas, six in Ohio:  Akron, Columbus, Dayton, Toledo, Youngstown/Boardman and a portion of southern Ohio near Ashland, Kentucky and Huntington, West Virginia.

Rep. Bill Johnson, Rep. Tim Ryan and Rep. Pat Tiberi took the lead on the Ohio delegation letter which generated 14 signers demonstrating strong bi-partisan support for the delay.  OAMES greatly appreciates the support of the Ohio Congressional delegation in not only recognizing the problems with the program, but taking action, to ensure that seniors are served by properly credentialed providers in the Medicare program.

In addition to the Ohio letter, Rep. Glenn Thompson (R-PA) and Rep. Bruce Braley (D-IA) have led a national effort requesting an administrative delay of the bidding program.  They are currently gathering signers through June 7 and will submit the letter to CMS Acting Administrator next week.  This letter is also well-supported by the Ohio Congressional delegation.

If you have any questions about the program or are a Medicare consumer and have been impacted by the changes, please contact Kam Yuricich, OAMES executive director, at kam@oames.org.

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