Price Introduces Medicare Improvement Legislation

Press Release

Congressman Tom Price, M.D (R-GA) has introduced legislation aimed at improving the competitive bidding process for Medicare. "The Medicare DMEPOS Market Pricing Program Act of 2013" (H.R. 1717), would replace the current Medicare "DMEPOS," or "Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics and Supplies," competitive bidding system with a sustainable market pricing program (MPP) that is based upon sound economic principles that are embraced universally by auction experts across the U.S. Rep. Price first introduced this legislation during the 112th Congress.

Modifying pricing for DMEPOS would help curb costs and curtail government spending, while assuring patients have the access to the medical supplies they require. To this end, the Secretary of Health and Human Services would contract with an "auction expert" through a competitive process to develop and design the implementation of the MPP. A market monitor would be responsible for the evaluation of the design, implementation and functioning of MPP for the purpose of identifying weaknesses or problems, as well as recommending adjustments and changes.

"Instituting MPP would improve the delivery of care for seniors while ensuring quality and spurring innovation, so that patients are best-served by their health care coverage," Rep. Price said. "Additionally, the American people deserve and are right to demand that their taxpayer dollars are used in an accountable and effective way."

This legislation is already co-sponsored by 25 Members of Congress.

Rep. Tom Price, a physician, serves as the vice chairman of the House Committee on the Budget. He is a member of the House Committee on Ways and Means, as well as the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.

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