PADME Act could delay cuts that would block rural patients’ access to durable medical equipment — 3 insights

Legislators in the House of Representatives are introducing the Patient Access to Durable Medical Equipment of 2016 Act, a bill that would delay Medicare reimbursement cuts that could impair rural patient access to wheelchairs, oxygen and other durable medical equipment, according to Medical Device and Diagnostic Industry.

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Here are three insights:

1. The concern is that some of these cuts could have a bigger negative impact on Medicare patients in rural areas because durable medical equipment suppliers in these regions might need to decrease equipment inventory, cut staff and deliver and train to fewer patients in a smaller geographic area to offset the reimbursement cuts.

2. The bill, sponsored by Reps. Tom Price, MD, (R-Ga.) and Dave Loebsack (D-Iowa) would extend the phase-in period, delaying the rate cut to October 1, 2017.

3. The act would also require CMS to consider certain factors when determining rates like travel distance, delivery time, number of suppliers and volume of items and services.

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