Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, the bipartisan bill before us accomplishes several important objectives. Since 2003, the durable medical equipment, DME, competitive bidding program has required DME suppliers in certain large, densely populated areas to compete for contracts to serve Medicare beneficiaries in those areas. This market-based competition has saved the Medicare program and beneficiaries billions of dollars in saving and reduced cost sharing. Since 2009, CMS has had the authority to expand the program to additional areas, and in 2014 the agency published a final rule that will expand competitive bidding to all areas of the country. Beginning January 1, 2016, CMS began phasing in new regional reimbursement rates for noncompetitive bid areas using a 50-50 blend of old and new rates. Starting July 1, rates will be based on the new calculations. To ensure we have a full appreciation of the impact of the phase-in, the bill continues the 50-50 blend payment for an additional 3 months. It also requires HHS to report to Congress on any access issues caused by the blended rate before the full rate change can go into effect. The bill also improves access to quality healthcare providers for vulnerable Medicaid patients and includes legislation that recently passed the House 406-0.…”