Washington
The new Secretary of Health and Human Services said that he supports national competitive bidding, but wants to make sure small providers aren't shut out.
Michael Leavitt, confirmed in late January, said in written testimony to Iowa Sen. Charles Grassley, chair of the Senate Finance Committee: “I believe that competitive bidding will reduce beneficiary and Medicare program costs for DME while protecting beneficiary access to quality DME, and that it is important to ensure that small suppliers in rural areas are protected and able to compete in the program.”
On Medicare's power wheelchair benefit, Leavitt said he would “ensure that there is a balance between getting power wheelchairs to those who need them and protecting against fraud, waste and abuse.”
