Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome Network Inc

Medicare will be introducing some changes to the way covered durable medical supplies are paid for beginning in January, 2011. The new program will be rolled out in nine regions first before it is implemented across the country. Durable medical supplies include items such as: oxygen, ostomy supplies, CPAP and BiPAP supplies, mail order diabetes products, wheel chairs, or hospital beds, among others.

The new program will require providers of durable medical supplies who wish to participate in Medicare to submit bids for the lowest possible price they are able to offer. Medicare will then choose providers (to be called contract providers) and set prices based on the bids submitted.

The competitive bidding process is expected to be expanded to 91 regions by the end of 2012.

The first nine regions will be:
Charlotte
Cincinnati
Cleveland
Dallas/Fort Worth
Kansas City
Miami/Fort Lauderdale
Orlando/Kissimmee
Pittsburg, PA
Riverside/San Bernardino/Ontario CA
(If you live near one of these cities, you may want to confirm whether your area is included in the geographic region)

Medicare is expected to announce who they’ve selected as providers for these regions in September.

If you should need further help or assistance, either with a provider that was not selected, or finding a new provider, contact Medicare directly at: 1 (800) Medicare or go to www.medicare.gov.