WASHINGTON--Ohio Sen. George Voinovich, one of the HME industry's staunchest political advocates, recently sent two letters to HHS Secretary Michael Leavitt pointing out his constituents' concerns about CMS' plans for DME competitive bidding and Medicare's new mobility coverage policy.

"While I understand the need to control Medicare's costs, I continue to have concerns about how the national competitive bidding program for durable medical equipment will affect beneficiary access to quality services and supplies, as well as the livelihood of small businesses currently providing durable medical equipment in local or regional areas," Voinovich wrote in a letter dated June 29.

He also said home care providers have stressed to him the importance of finalizing supplier quality standards as soon as possible to give their businesses time to become accredited and prepare for the bidding process. "Without standards, my constituents argue, even with the federal protections governing all government contracts and contractors, competitive acquisition could attract providers who may not be committed to quality and who may provide substandard services to beneficiaries," the letter stated.

CMS has said that it plans to release a draft of the quality standards this summer, and a proposed rule on national competitive bidding is scheduled for release in September. Both are mandated by the Medicare Modernization Act.

In a separate letter, Voinovich addressed CMS' new mobility NCD, which was released May 5. Of primary concern, he said, CMS needs to release companion regulations and policies--including a face-to-face physician exam requirement and a clearly defined set of documentation requirements for those providing equipment--so physicians, clinicians and suppliers can better understand the new policy. (See story above.)

Another provider concern, he wrote, is that CMS needs to explain that a beneficiary will qualify for coverage of equipment if it is needed to participate in any mobility-related activity of daily living in the home--not just those listed in the NCD.