Keeping a Harmful Medicare Program Out of MN Medicaid
For 25 years, PHS has helped thousands of Minnesota children live successfully and safely at home with their families. For us to continue being able to provide that care, we have a team of staff dedicated to promoting sensible legislation at the Capitol and educating our legislators on the impact these laws will have on our population.
During the 2015 legislative session, one of PHS’s main focuses will be keeping Minnesota Medicaid from adopting the Federal Medicare “competitive bidding” program for home care durable medical equipment.
If “competitive bidding” were to be implemented to Medicaid, unsustainable reimbursement rates would force Minnesota durable medical equipment (DME) providers to close – an outcome that would leave families with reduced access to care for equipment and supplies that are essential to their child’s well-being and ability to live at home, and thousands of Minnesotans without their job. Without this access, patients would be forced to live in the hospital – inevitably increasing costs to the state.
To hear about the impact “competitive bidding” implementation would have on Minnesota’s most complex population, we reached out to two individuals who will be affected personally. Rick and Patrick have been receiving equipment and supplies from durable medical equipment companies for a number of years, and are able to live a full, happy life at home thanks to this access. Check out the video below to learn more about the devastating impact this law would bring to patients and their families across the state.
To learn more about what you can do to let your legislators know the impact this program will have on you and your loved ones, visit our legislative page where we have ideas for getting involved and materials to further educate you on the legislation.
Originally published: February 10, 2015