People for Quality Care is launching a survey on April 1 asking end users of home medical equipment (HME) and supplies and family caregivers to evaluate the impact of Competitive Bidding on beneficiary access to care during the gap period of the program.
“Ensuring we understand the direct impact that Competitive Bidding is having on consumers and caregivers is critical in helping us communicate their issues to elected officials,” says Rob Duryea, director of People for Quality Care.
This survey is intended to help assess beneficiaries’ experience obtaining HME, supplies and services impacted by the Competitive Bidding program across former competitive bidding areas (CBAs), rural areas and non‐bid, non‐rural areas. While primarily targeting Medicare beneficiaries, the survey is also open to those with other insurance who have been impacted by the ripple‐effect of the Medicare program. This nationwide survey will be open until Friday, April 26. Findings from the survey can aid in discussions with policy makers and shapers about the impact of the program and rates stemming from it.
Suppliers are encouraged to assist in raising awareness of the survey and share the survey link, available here, with their customers and local consumer groups.
“The 2016 Dobson DaVanzo patient access survey was an instrumental tool in uncovering some of the significant challenges that end users, case managers and suppliers faced when Competitive Bidding expanded nationwide and helped pave the way for meaningful relief through the IFR and ESRD Final Rule,” recalled Ashley Plauché, legislative partner for People for Quality Care and Manager of Government Affairs for AAHomecare.
“By adopting the basic principles of that survey into this new outreach effort,” Plauché explained, “we will get meaningful, current intel that highlights the real‐world impact this program is having during the gap period and beyond. This information is critical to legislators and regulatory bodies who are tasked with the responsibility of preserving beneficiary access to care under the Medicare benefit.”
“Our number one priority for conducting this survey is to hear from people who are struggling to get quality HME and supplies so that we can assist in sharing their story,” says Rose Schafhauser, state association partner for People for Quality Care and executive director of MAMES and SWMESA.
For more information, industry stakeholders may contact People for Quality Care by emailing answers@peopleforqualitycare.org or visiting People for Quality Care website.