Medicare's new money-saving idea could land patients in the ER
Story by
Most people never think about urological supplies like catheters. But for people who cannot urinate on their own, they're as medically necessary as insulin or a wheelchair. Getting the right product — and getting it on time — can be the difference between stability and a trip to the emergency room.
That's why a little-known Medicare policy moving forward in Washington is deeply concerning.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is preparing to expand a "competitive bidding" program to include urological supplies like catheters. The idea is simple — award contracts to a small number of companies offering the lowest price.
But what looks efficient on paper could create serious problems in the real world.