Study points to risk

Saturday, June 28, 2008 | 2:08 a.m.

Substantial changes in Medicare coverage in recent years, such as for prescription drugs, have caused plenty of unnecessary grief and confusion for seniors who are forced to navigate a bureaucratic morass simply to figure out whether they can obtain the health care they need. It is about to get worse for seniors in 10 large cities outside Nevada beginning Tuesday under a new Medicare Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics and Supplies program that eventually could be implemented in this state.

The George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services last week released findings of a study of the program that were less than flattering as they relate to seniors with diabetes. As of now those individuals have a broad selection of diabetes testing suppliers they can choose from, including mail order companies, that are covered under Medicare. The study found that the new program, though, has the potential to limit the number of suppliers and equipment available through a competitive bidding process in which suppliers sign contracts with the federal government to provide specific medical equipment within certain price ranges.

Beneficiaries pay 20 percent of the cost of medical equipment and supplies and Medicare pays the balance. Although the program could save seniors money, it will be useless if they cannot get the equipment they need. There is obvious danger in disrupting the care received by a diabetic. The study also questioned whether contract suppliers would be sufficiently screened for the quality and safety of their products, because the focus of the program appears to be on saving money.

It would behoove the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, which is running the program, to review the study before getting too deeply involved in a scheme that could save money but do so at the peril of seniors with diabetes. Reducing medical costs is desirable but only if it can be done without placing existing levels of health care in jeopardy.