09/24/2012

H.R. 6490 - Our Opportunity to Enact the Market Pricing Program and Replace the Medicare Bidding

The bill introduced yesterday by Rep. Tom Price (R-GA) and 13 of other members of the House has been assigned a number: H.R. 6490. 

The bill amends title XVIII of the Social Security Act to establish a market pricing program for durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS) under part B of the Medicare program.  It has been referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

American Association for Homecare members can view the text of the bill here. 

As we reported yesterday, the House of Representatives will meet in pro forma sessions during many of the days between now and the elections. And that means that Representatives can add their to the official cosponsor list for the bill. We will need to enlist as many cosponsors as possible over the weeks ahead.

The original cosponsors of the bill include the following 13 Representatives:

Rep. Renee Ellmers (R-NC-02)
Rep. John Barrow (D-GA-12)
Rep. Pat Tiberi (R-OH-12)
Rep. Steven LaTourette (R-OH-14)
Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN-07)
Rep. Steve King (R-IA-05)
Rep. Tom Latham (R-IA-04)
Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA-03)
Rep. Bruce Braley (D-IA-01)
Rep. Jason Altmire (D-PA-04)
Rep. Kathy Castor (D-FL-11)
Rep. Theodore Deutch (D-Fl-19)
Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC-02)

Take Action! Please urge your members of Congress to support this bill. 

• E-mail or call your Representative and urge him or her to sign on to the MPP bill. The Capitol switchboard number is (202) 224-3121.  Or use the ACTION CENTER at action.aahomecare.org. 

• You can describe the legislation as a bipartisan bill to bring market-based pricing to home medical equipment and services in Medicare.  Traditionally, both Republicans and Democrats have supported efforts to fix the bidding program so it aligns with the original intent of Congress, preserves access to home-based care, and does not wipe out small businesses.  It is important to continue the tradition of having support from both parties on this bill!

• Refer to the issue brief and bill summary for the Market Pricing Program as well as answers to FAQs (frequently asked questions) to help you to explain the issue to your Representative in the House. Additional details are available here.

TAKE ACTION