I know it’s difficult with all the rising costs of gas, food, services, etc. to help our senior parents find quality, low-cost, home care. Senior Services Savings with WorkingCaregiver.com is just one option to use to help them save some money of the services they need.
Congress is also helping out. To cut costs in the Medicare Program, Congress is calling for for competitive bidding on medical equipment that is provided to the elderly and disabled Americans. They have set a sensible timeframe for implementing this program. Last year alone, Medicare received bids from companies to supply equipment in 10 metropolitan areas.
They were about to start selling their products but Congress has put a halt on the delivery due to receiving pressure from the losing bid companies. If you can believe, according to an article in the Austin American Statesman, the House approved legislation to terminate the contracts and delay the launch for 18 months.
We know that Medicare has been paying too much for wheelchairs, hospital beds, oxygen, diabetic test kits, and walkers. Some examples are; Medicare pays over $1,800 for each hospital bed that can be bought online for $754, and $4,000 for a power wheelchair that costs $2,100 online.
By signing contracts with close to 325 companies winning the lowest bids, it reduced equipment prices by 26%. In dollars that is close to $125 million the first year and as much as one billion a year if the program went nationwide.
I guess what happened was Congress did some mis-stepping in the bid process. Too bad. So that created some bad tastes and sour grape for those losing companies… ugh. Meanswhile, many patient oriented groups have called for a delay too, sensing the lower bidder would give diminishing customer service.
Competitive bidding is what free enterprise is built on.. thank goodness. And I believe would also help the Medicare dilemma of over spending at a time when all cost are soaring.
We have no clue if Congress’ delay does not altogether junk the program.. we hope not. But in the meantime, Senior Services Savings and Discounts is working hard for your hard earned dollar.
Have questions? Email Carol@WorkingCaregiver.com. Please give us your comments or suggestions on what companies or services you’d like to see added to our coupon or discount for seniors program. Of if you know of one I should contact, leave a comment and all comments below.
