Senate Blocks DMEPOS BiddingOn July 9, the U.S. Senate voted to pass HR 6331, the Medicare
Improvements for Patients and Providers Act. The bill would suspend
for another 18 months round one of the Medicare competitive bidding
program for durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and
supplies (DMEPOS). The program was slated to begin in ten
metropolitan statistical areas on July 1.
The bill passed 69 to 30, creating a two-thirds majority. All
"no" votes were submitted by Republicans, and "yes" votes were
mixed between Republicans and Democrats. The House of
Representatives had previously passed the bill by 296 votes,
creating veto-proof margins. If signed by President Bush, the
legislation would terminate all contracts already created under the
program. However, suppliers could submit bids for new contracts,
which would be slated to take effect in 18 to 24 months.
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi said that the House will not
consider any further Medicare legislation during this session.
The bill is available at http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c110:H.R.6331.ENR: 
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