HMEs battle state over incontinence policy
By HME News Staff
Updated Mon December 31, 2007
INDIANAPOLIS - Indiana's controversial Medicaid contract for incontinence products was awarded to three suppliers—two of them based in Michigan—and could spell a loss of jobs and patient choice, says the Association of Indiana Home Medical Equipment Services (AIHMES).
On Nov. 5, the state announced it had awarded the contracts to Center Line, Mich.-based Binson's Hospital Supplies, Wixon, Mich.-based J&B Medical Supply and Healthcare Products Delivery in Indiana.
The association is already fighting back.
“We have legislators writing letters to send to the governor and the Medicaid director,” said George Kucka, executive director. “We are encouraging them to hold off on implementing this until they study it further, or stop it altogether.”
Indiana caused an uproar last March when it announced plans to outsource the medical supplies to a Michigan-based provider without offering local providers the chance to bid. Providers were also upset because Indiana's governor touts a “Buy Indiana” program aimed at supporting local business.
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