Medicare Overpaying For Hospice Services, Report Finds
An investigation by the inspector general's office says the extra cost runs $260 million a year. Meanwhile, a new Medicare program to cut durable medical goods expenses is causing some problems in Montana.
The New York Times:
Medicare Is Often Overbilled By Hospices, And Pays Twice For Some Drugs
Hospices often bill Medicare for a higher level of care than patients need, and Medicare often pays twice for the prescription drugs provided to people who are terminally ill, federal investigators say in a new report. The extra cost to Medicare was put at more than $260 million a year. “Many hospices have been billing far more than they should have,” said Nancy T. Harrison, a deputy regional inspector general at the Department of Health and Human Services who led the investigation. (Pear, 4/2)
Billings Gazette:
Montana Suppliers Unhappy With Medicare Payment, Bidding Program For Certain Medical Equipment
When a former Missoula client needed oxygen equipment delivered to her home — now six hours away and in a rural town in the northern part of the state — employees at supplier Norco Inc. in Missoula did what they normally do: They asked for help. ... Norco called two other providers, both about 45 miles from the woman's home, to see if they could help. The answer, however, was not the normal "yes." Both businesses had reduced their service areas .... Those service area reductions could become more common in Montana in response to a recently expanded nationwide program that determines Medicare payments for some home medical equipment. (Benoit, 4/3)
The Associated Press:
Medicare Cutbacks In Montana Hurting Suppliers
A federal program designed to cut spending and patient costs while addressing fraud has led some Medicare suppliers in Montana to cut back on the areas they serve. The program was put in place by Montana earlier this year. It cuts Medicare payments for equipment in Montana by as much as 42 percent. Government officials say the program has saved billions of dollars since it began last year. (4/3)