H. D. Smith Voices Support for the Fairness in Medicare Bidding Act

SPRINGFIELD, Ill., July 11, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- H. D. Smith, among the nation's largest pharmaceutical wholesalers, today announced its support for H.R. 1041, also known as the Fairness in Medicare Bidding Act. Introduced by Representatives Jason Altmire (D-PA) and Glenn Thompson (R-PA), the bill seeks to repeal the Medicare Durable Medical Equipment Prosthetics, Orthotics and Supplies (DMEPOS) competitive bidding program included in the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003 (MMA).

The DMEPOS program created as part of MMA sought to reduce the Medicare excess product cost while assuring beneficiary access to quality care providers. However; the program's unclear standards have impacted negatively competition among home medical equipment suppliers (HME). Since its passage, MMA has led to fewer HME marketplace competitors, a decrease in patient access and quality care and created the potential for additional strain on the Medicare system.

The Fairness in Medicare Bidding Act has been referred to the House Energy and Commerce, House Appropriations and House ways and Means Committees.

"We applaud the efforts of Representatives Altmire and Thompson in introducing this legislation that will help ensure marketplace competition, patient access and quality of care for home medical equipment suppliers and consumers," said Ron Lanton, Government Affairs Counsel, H. D. Smith. "H.R. 1041 provides a common sense solution to ensure an open and fair marketplace that can provide patients the healthcare options they need for their medical care and quality of life."

About H. D. Smith

Headquartered in Springfield, Illinois, H. D. Smith is among the largest national full-line, full-service wholesalers providing a complete line of pharmaceuticals, OTCs, HBAs, home healthcare products, durable medical equipment, seasonal merchandise and a wide array of marketing programs to retail pharmacies, regional chains and health systems. The company has distribution facilities in California, Florida, Kentucky, Illinois, New Hampshire, New Jersey and Texas that service major markets throughout the United States. Additional information about H. D. Smith can be found at hdsmith.com.

Contact:
Allison Worrell
H. D. Smith
Marketing Communications Manager
217-753-1688
aworrell@hdsmith.com

Mark Marmur
Makovsky + Company, Inc.
Assistant Vice President
212-508-9670
mmarmur@makovsky.com

SOURCE H. D. Smith

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