House Bill to Delay Competitive Bidding Passes

June 24, 2008

The Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (H.R. 6331) passed House vote today with a veto-proof margin of 355 to 59.

The legislation could delay the start of competitive bidding by about 24 months through a 9.5-percent payment cut to bidded home care items and services nationwide. The legislation would not allow additional cuts oxygen payments and power wheelchairs.

Now focus shifts to the Senate. Chairman Max Baucus and Sen. Charles Grassley are rumored to be close to reaching a bipartisan agreement on a Medicare package — the doc fix — according to industry sources. While the Senate bill would delay the start of competitive bidding, there is a potential for additional cuts to oxygen and power wheelchairs.

Providers are encouraged to contact their senators to support the competitive bidding delay in the House bill and oppose additional cuts to oxygen and power wheelchairs. Call the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121.