Letter sends 'strong message' about bid program

WASHINGTON - A letter urging CMS Administrator Marilyn Tavenner not to expand competitive bidding until the Office of Inspector General (OIG) has completed its investigation into the program has been signed by 83 members of Congress, according to The VGM Group. Reps. Glenn Thompson, R-Pa., and Bruce Braley, D-Iowa, who spearheaded the effort, stated in the letter: “Concerns have stemmed from the lack of transparency, the improper vetting of the financial wherewithal of many firms that have been awarded contracts, and design flaws that were identified by over 240 economists and auction experts.” VGM says the letter, which was sent to Tavenner on March 28, sends a “strong message.”