Suppliers bidding on DMEPOS product categories like walkers must not only account for inflation over a three year period, but must additionally consider the cost of raw commodities used to build these items. For instance, the price of batteries used in power wheelchairs have skyrocketed due to the incredible increases in the cost of lead.
Even the government has a tough time predicting inflation, raw commodity costs (i.e., crude oil) and the long-term affect on our economy, but suppliers must lock in bid prices for THREE years AND be held accountable if unable to meet winning bid obligations…..go figure!
Bill Popomaronis, R.Ph., NCPA vice president, home health and long term care pharmacy services, provides his thoughts and explanations on the latest DME information from CMS.
