For years I have stood alongside large medium and small DMEPOS suppliers fighting competitive bidding wholeheartedly, believing that a grassroots approach to being heard by legislators would surely produce justice for our industry. Because competitive bidding has been law since 2003, I realized that one must understand the law and the process to be effective in stopping implementation that will surely be more adverse than positive for our nation’s seniors and the economy. My passion was often waned by the lack of effort by many if not most of the nation’s DMEPOS suppliers. Now, 8 years and literally thousands of hours later, I see our nation’s suppliers being forced to compete in a flawed system. Despite fear, uncertainty and outrage, I don’t understand why my clients and potential clients (suppliers), whose existence is very dependent upon Medicare revenues, are only slightly preparing for competitive bidding; but not understanding that one error in the Competitive Acquisition process can result in a “rejected” bid, which could mean their business as they know it will cease to exist.
I sometimes think my years of fighting competitive bidding have been overshadowed by my promotion of Agape’s Bid Package Service. My reasons for helping suppliers are selfish, just like all other companies that service the DMEPOS industry. We are undeniably trying to preserve our client base that we depend upon to exist. Others like Agape that service and or sell to DMEPOS suppliers understand the plight and have focused not only on repealing but also on education. Most industry associations, manufacturers and consultants are advising suppliers to get professional help. The help you need must not only understand the bid process, but must have practical experience with success.

You only have a few choices:

- Don’t bid
- Bid alone
- Hire a company whose rates may commensurate with their effectiveness, or
- Hire Agape Medical Management

Whatever your choice, you need to make it now!