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www.fdanews.com/articles/88597-lawmakers-ask-hhs-to-reconsider-payment-cuts-for-power-mobility-devices

LAWMAKERS ASK HHS TO RECONSIDER PAYMENT CUTS FOR POWER MOBILITY DEVICES

November 2, 2006

A group of 44 lawmakers wrote to HHS Secretary Michael Leavitt Oct. 31 asking him to step in and put the brakes on proposed cuts to the Medicare fee schedule for power mobility devices (PMDs) and accessories, which are due to go into effect Nov. 15.

"We understand that the fee schedule would result in reductions for the higher category of [PMDs] in excess of 30 percent," the lawmakers said.

"A recent survey of suppliers found that 76 percent of current suppliers of Group 3 PMDs would no longer be able to afford to supply these devices under the new fee schedule," they added. Leavitt should "intervene to ensure that implementation of the fee schedule is postponed until revisions can be made."