08-27-2007
Competitive bidding is slowly becoming a reality. All the arguments remain the same and CMS continues not to deal with hypothetical situations. Wait – this just in – CMS has extended another deadline. Could this mean some of the hypothetical arguments are coming true? Could there really be a burden on the provider? Will the end-user really lose choice or be harmed from such a policy?
Surely the federal government knows what’s best for us; after all, we’re Americans for Pete’s sake. We’re the World’s richest country. Hmm… let me think a second – this is the same federal government, however; that can’t keep illegal aliens out of the United States, we do have 45 million citizens with no health care coverage, and we have a spending problem equivalent of that of our sailors having a drink on shore leave.
Enter H.R. 2231, a bill presented before Congress to carve out complex rehabilitation from competitive bidding. Don’t get me totally wrong, as I’m all about the concept of competitive bidding. I think there is a place for cost effective programs in government. For instance, buy the cheapest toilet paper, or the cheapest desk, frames, chairs, or items shipped in bulk. We really could save Billions!
Okay, now a few items that should be left out of competitive bidding – the space shuttle, inter-continental ballistic missiles, MRI machines, body armor, and air traffic control systems, and oh, I think complex rehabilitation when fitting wheelchairs for the most vulnerable of our citizens should be included as an exemption from competitive bidding. Health and safety must always be on the forefront when considering the lowest price.
Call your Congressman and support H.R. 2231. Make your argument as if your dignity and independence depend on it – because one day – it just might.