OXYGEN AND COPD

As a professional homecare provider I would like to let all home oxygen patients know that within a year you will be forced to use a provider who bid the lowest to Medicare.  Medicare has instituted a competitve bidding program for all oxygen providers.  You no longer will have a choice of who you use to provide your oxygen services.  You will be forced to use the provider who bid the lowest for your oxygen services.  If you are outraged over this please call your Congressional Rep and or US Senator to voice your concern.  Please pass this message along and let all oxygen patients know of your concern.


Thank You

[Hypatia]

I would like to see an official source for this.  My oxygen company has branches all over the U.S., and they haven't mentioned this issue.

[picklesmcd]

Believe me its official.  You can visit VGM.com or go directly to the Medicare website and you will see that oxygen is now a capped rental, just like a hospital bed or wheelchair.  After 36 months you will own your opxygen equipment.  Also there is a huge section in the Medicare website relating to competitive bidding.  You and all oxygen patients need to be aware that Medicare has drastically cut your oxygen services.  Its ashame that your company has not let thier patients become aware of this.  Unless patients get active regarding the Medicare cuts to oxygen your services from your provider will lessen.  Let me know how you make out.

[Hypatia]

I think you are talking about 2 different things.  I am well aware of the 36-mo. cap and the fact that after that time we will own our own concentrator/equipment (but the DME provider is still required to service it).  See http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNMattersArticles/downloads/MM5010.pdf  

It is the bidding for Medicare service I was unaware of.