Citing a growing concern about questionable medical claims Medicare is imposing stricter rules requiring pre-approval for many medical devices that patients use at home. Critics are concerned that the new requirements will bog down the process of getting important life-saving medical supplies. “Starting Feb. 28, Medicare will require pre-authorization for some of the most commonly used home medical supplies, including oxygen, sleep apnea and related equipment in a strategy that commercial insurers have used for years to curb overuse of medical testing.” Medicare is hoping that these new measures will save $10 million in 2016 and up to $100 million by 2025. Medicare patients will need to be aware of these new policies and be proactive in their requests for home medical devices.
See Kris B. Mamula, Medicare to tighten requirements for many home medical devices, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, January 18, 2016.
