Medicare and the Bidding System

February 4, 2010



Medicare’s DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program

Medicare’s Competitive Bidding Program for durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics and supplies (DMEPOS) is designed to ensure beneficiaries with Original Medicare continue to receive quality medical equipment and related services from accredited suppliers, while reducing out-of-pocket expenses for Medicare beneficiaries and saving the Medicare program money.

Medicare’s current fee schedule rates for DMEPOS items are overpriced and based on outdated, inflated supplier charges from over 20 years ago. Competitive bidding among suppliers will establish new, lower Medicare payment amounts for DMEPOS items.

The DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program:



· starts January 1, 2011 in nine areas of the country and will be phased into other areas in future years;

· applies to Medicare beneficiaries who live in (or travel to) these areas and who buy or rent certain items of durable medical equipment and supplies;

· includes items such as oxygen equipment and supplies, certain power wheelchairs, walkers, mail order diabetic supplies and hospital beds; and

· selects enough qualified, accredited contract suppliers to meet Medicare beneficiaries’ needs for competitively bid items and services.



The nine initial competitive bidding areas are:

· Charlotte-Gastonia-Concord (North Carolina and South Carolina)

· Cincinnati-Middletown (Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana)

· Cleveland-Elyria-Mentor (Ohio)

· Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington (Texas)

· Kansas City (Missouri and Kansas)

· Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach (Florida)

· Orlando (Florida)

· Pittsburgh (Pennsylvania)

· Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario (California)



In order to help you stay fully and accurately informed about Medicare’s DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program, CMS has prepared the first in a series of “program preview” documents, which can be found at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/Partnerships/03_DMEPOS_Toolkit.asp#TopOfPage. We encourage you to share this information with your local affiliates throughout the country, particularly in the nine initial competitive bidding areas. Please note that “program preview” documents are not intended for distribution to Medicare beneficiaries. We’ll be forwarding materials for you to share with beneficiaries later this year when DMEPOS users may need to take action.

Politcal Career News Letter --- Victory

Political Careers: Finding Your Path to the Top
Usually on Local Victory, we concentrate on teaching candidates how to get elected (and how to get re-elected). But I know that many of our readers are engaging in long-term political careers as campaign operatives, legislative staffers, PAC managers, and party committee employees. Because of that, in this article I want to take a break from talking about how to get elected, and instead focus on how to get ahead if you’re working in politics but not running for office.

If you’re building a political career, I know where you’re coming from. I spent several years working as a campaign staffer and party committee employee before launching a political consulting firm. I can tell you first hand that it’s a tough industry, but rewarding (remember… the greatest questions of our day are decided in the political sphere, and elected officials couldn’t win or govern without political career staffs).

So as someone who’s been there, and who has worked with dozens of the top operatives and staffers in the business, here’s my career advice:

1. Have a Plan
Lots of people in politics tell me they “just fell into it.” They liked a candidate, or needed a job, or volunteered on a winning campaign at it turned into a legislative job. Many others moved to Washington or to a state capital right out of college to pursue political careers, starting at the bottom and moving their way up.

No matter how you arrived in politics, you’ve got to have a plan. Trust me when I tell you that most political staffers and campaign operatives don’t… they just move from job to job, content to increase salary and responsibility, but never knowing where they are headed.

Take some time… now… to figure out where you want to end up, then devise a plan to get there. What experience are you going to need? What interim positions would be best to take? Who do you need to meet/know?

2. Network
Political campaigns are, in many ways, a game of networking. Ditto for political careers. So much of your success in this business relies on who you know. It’s time to get out there and increase your network. Meet people in your industry, at your organization, at your competitor’s organization.

Get to know people inside and outside of government, at think tanks, PACs, campaigns, and news organizations. Get to know them, and stay in touch with them… both in person and through social networking tools, e-mail, and the like. Build your rolodex now, before you need it.

3. Don’t Stagnate
Very few political superstars stay at one organization, government agency, or consulting shop for too long. Most people who build long and successful political careers move around… always moving up, always moving forward.

Don’t make a move just to make a move, and be sure you are moving in the right direction. But in politics, its easy to stagnate and stay at one place for so long that your connections and opportunities have moved up and on without you. Don’t stagnate.

4. Think Big!
Shoot high, or you’ll never get there. Far too many operatives and staffers are timid with their dreams – don’t make that mistake. The top political superstars didn’t start their political careers at the top, but most of them always knew they’d get there… they set lofty goals, and then put a plan in place to achieve those dreams. As Donald Trump is fond of saying, “If you’re going to be thinking anyway, you may as well think big!” (For more inspiration on thinking big in politics, read The Secrets of Being a Political Entrepreneur.)



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Governor Hoeven to Visit Our Troops

NEWS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 3, 2010



Contact: Don Canton

(701) 328-2200



HOEVEN, SPRYNCZYNATYK TO VISIT N.D. TROOPS IN KOSOVO



CAMP BONDSTEEL, KOSOVO — Gov. John Hoeven and Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, North Dakota National Guard adjutant general, will be in Kosovo this week to visit North Dakota troops serving in a year-long peacekeeping mission. A statewide Video Teleconference with the Governor, General and deployed troops will be held for media and families of the troops on Feb. 5. Details of the teleconference will be released Thursday.



The Soldiers, part of the newly re-named Multi-National Battle Group – East, have reached the approximate half-way point in their deployment. Gov. Hoeven and Maj. Gen. Sprynczynatyk will be visiting with them to discuss their experience, and meet with Brig Gen. Alan Dohrmann, Kosovo Forces Battle Group commander.



“We’re going to Kosovo to show our support for our troops and to thank them, on behalf of all North Dakotans, for their outstanding service to our country,” Hoeven said. “They’re doing a great job to provide security for an ally that is working to build a stable democracy. That’s vitally important work, both for the people of Kosovo and for the security of the United States.”



Multi-National Battle Group- East (MNBG-E) is a U.S. led task force commanded by Dohrmann. This task force is comprised of nearly 2,200 Soldiers, including Task Force Hellas and Task Force POL/UKR (Polish/Ukraine). The charter mission of MNBG-E is maintaining a Safe and Secure Environment and providing Freedom of Movement for the people in Kosovo.



The North Dakota National Guard-led task force, formerly known as Multi-National Task Force-East (MNTF-E), officially changed its name to Multi-National Battle Group - East (MNBG-E) signifying the task force’s transformation to a more responsive and flexible force structure. The change is in response to the ever improving security situation throughout Kosovo, brought about by the hard work and cooperation of the people and institutions in Kosovo.



Currently, the North Dakota Army National Guard’s 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade (MEB), Fargo, N.D., is the headquarters unit for more than 2,000 U.S. and multi-national Soldiers who make up MNBG-E. Other North Dakota units in Kosovo include the 231st Brigade Support Battalion, Valley City, N.D., and the 957th Multi-role Bridge Company, Bismarck, N.D. While in Kosovo, the North Dakota units have served with Soldiers from five other nations - Greece, Poland, Ukraine, Romania and Armenia.



National Guard Contacts:



Rick Smith at 701-333-2007 (office) or 701-426-0190 (cell)

Amy Wieser Willson at 701-451-6130 (office) or 701-412-6895 (cell)

Billie Jo Lorius at 701-333-2288 (office) or 701-426-5205 (cell)



Photos, Videos & Other Updates:

· www.youtube.com/NDNationalGuard

· www.flickr.com/photos/NDGuard

· www.twitter.com/NDNationalGuard

· www.facebook.com/NDNationalGuard



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Oil in North Dakota

Marathon executives and the Petroleum Council had a fantastic reception in Fargo from community leaders and the local media last week. Below is an Editorial run by the Fargo Forum.





Forum editorial: Marathon is serious about North Dakota



Published February 02, 2010

By: Forum Editorial Board, INFORUM



A few days ago executives of Marathon Oil Corp. of Houston and representatives of the North Dakota oil industry spent a couple of days in Fargo talking about the industry. In addition to making the rounds of radio programs and a visit with The Forum’s Editorial Board, the delegation conducted an extraordinary, free-wheeling discussion with community leaders at a private dinner.



We say “extraordinary” because it’s rare (if it’s ever happened at all in Fargo) for execs of a major worldwide oil company that is doing business in North Dakota to sit down and discuss candidly the status of their company and the oil industry in general.



It was an eye-opening, educational session. The information was especially compelling because it came directly from oil men who are investing billions of dollars in North Dakota’s Bakken Formation, a deep layer of oil-bearing rock that is believed to be one of the potentially richest finds in North America.



Nearly every North Dakotan knows about the state’s oil patch. In the past few years exploration and drilling have escalated. North Dakota oil production now ranks fourth among the states, up from seventh only a few years ago. The Marathon executives did not bat an eye when they said they expected production to continue to rise, slowed only by the social and industrial infrastructure’s capacity to keep up.



The meeting in Fargo was important for several reasons.



To continue with this story, please click on http://www.inforum.com/event/article/id/267765/.









North Dakota Petroleum Council

PO Box 1395

Bismarck ND 58502

701.223.6380

701.222.0006 fax

www.ndoil.org

ndpc@ndoil.org

US and Global Budgets in 2010

U.S. & GLOBAL ECONOMIES
State Budget Nightmares Mount
States will need to shave billions in spending to stay above water.

By Richard Sammon, Senior Associate Editor, The Kiplinger Letter
February 1, 2010

The budget picture in the states is worse than bleak. Even as the national economy shows some signs of improvement, states will continue to wrestle for several years with large and looming budget strains that will force them into strict austerity.

State budget holes are getting deeper. Revenues fell dramatically all last year -- down 11.1% in the sharpest decline in 46 years. Corporate income taxes slid the most, 17.5%, but individual income and sales tax revenue was also down, by 11.3% and 8.8%, respectively.



Making it worse are publicly-supported health benefit cost hikes, unemployment payouts and larger social welfare rolls due to the recession and its lingering effect.

The result: A combined shortfall of $170 billion for the fiscal year that will end in five months. Worst off: California, Michigan, Ohio, Florida, New Jersey, Arizona and Illinois. Only four states -- North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming and Montana (all of them low population and rich in natural resources) -- are on track for balanced budgets in fiscal 2010. Alaska, too, is better off than most, but it faces some budget shortfalls because of the drop in the price of oil.


Next year will be even tougher for most. The states will need to cut a total of about $180 billion, some 15%-20%, from this year’s levels. That’s due to skimpy revenue flows continuing in personal income, the exhaustion of one-time budget fixes and the end of large federal economic stimulus funding still in the pipeline. Also looming on the horizon are immense and mounting costs related to public-worker pensions and health care.

The deficit-saddled Congress can’t afford a real rescue, but federal aid doled out in a jobs bill will help some. With many state rainy-day funds depleted, deep spending cuts are unavoidable. That will mean smaller state governments, with fewer services, for years.

Governors, lawmakers and mayors are scrounging for any and all savings. Obvious cuts, including state worker layoffs and furloughs and postponing infrastructure projects, have helped a bit, but most states are being forced to dig deeper and find more innovative approaches.

All states are trimming services. Nevada has closed its consumer affairs office for at least six months. Washington will end funding for 75 state commissions and boards. Michigan is consolidating public service and other departments to save $2 billion in overhead and administration. Massachusetts has the same idea. It may combine about two dozen transportation agencies into one, with projected savings of $7 billion over a decade. Alabama is likely to adopt a 3%-4% across-the-board agency spending cut.

Many states are contracting out key functions to save. Colorado will privatize all of its minimum security prisons. South Carolina may farm out administrative management of its entire motor vehicle department.

Some cuts will hurt businesses. Iowa, Missouri and Arkansas will scale back aid for rural businesses, meaning fewer business-expansion tax incentives and less marketing aid. Iowa will also put a hold on tax incentives for biotechnology firms. Farmers in Montana, New York, North Dakota and Vermont will get less help.

California and New York will borrow billions. That’s a risky step, but it’s one they will be forced to do as state legislatures are gridlocked for the time being over serious annual budget restructuring.

One thing states are still very reluctant to do: Raise taxes to fix shortfalls. But that may change. A referendum vote in Oregon to confirm a boost in taxes on some businesses and on individuals making over $125,000 a year (and couples making more than $250,000) may be a sign the public won’t accept more cuts in education and other services.

In the past year, eight states have raised taxes on wealthier families, a move also favored by President Obama on a national scale. Republicans object to hikes on the rich, calling it a new form of class warfare. And most economists believe that tax hikes in a struggling economy are counterproductive. Still, the Oregon vote and similar moves by other states suggest that legislators are getting desperate. They’re required to balance budgets but often can’t without more revenue, even as they scour their budgets for savings on the spending side.

Applications for Second Round of North Dakota Day Care Grants

NEWS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 1, 2010



Contact: Don Canton

701.328.2200

Julie Fedorchak

701.391.1140



APPLICATIONS BEING ACCEPTED FOR SECOND ROUND OF DAYCARE GRANTS



BISMARCK, N.D. – Applications will be accepted beginning Feb. 1 for the second round of state Child Care Grant Program. The deadline for application is March 31.



The program provides matching grants of up to $5,000 that can be used for the following infrastructure needs: egress windows, fences (cap of $3000 for fences) or documented expansion of the facility and equipment for special needs children. Another grant for up to $10,000 is available for technical assistance or business planning. Both grants require providers to provide $1 in matching funds for every $3 in grant funds.



“Parents and businesses have made it clear that quality, reliable childcare providers in our state are essential to supporting our state’s young working families with children,” Gov. John Hoeven said. “This program is designed to help stimulate the creation and expansion of more childcare options across our state.”



Shane Goettle, commissioner of the North Dakota Department of Commerce which oversees the program, said the grants are intended to help childcare providers address capital needs and business planning to help daycare facilities avoid common business pitfalls and improve the odds of long-term success.



The legislature approved a total of $500,000 for the grants this biennium. Of that, $262,000 was distributed through 96 awards during the first round. Awards were given based on the following priorities:

1. Funding for technical assistance and business plans.

2. Daycare startup or expansion safety equipment such as egress windows and fencing.

3. Special needs equipment suitable for day care facilities that serve children with disabilities.

4. Equipment.



The first round of grants supported the creation of 262 new day care openings for children statewide. Approximately $240,000 will be available for the second round.



Funding will be equally distributed between licensed profit, non-profit and public childcare facilities. Other criteria include facility history, the importance of the facility to the community and grants to support purchasing safety equipment.



Additional information for the Child Care Grant program can be found at

http://www.communityservices.nd.gov/community/child-care-grant-program/ .



Another program to enhance the availability of quality daycare options in the state provides up to $100,000 in low-interest loans for day care facilities from the North Dakota Development Fund to acquire, lease, or remodel real estate, to purchase equipment or for working capital.



The loan program has $1.25 million and applications are available at http://www.business.nd.gov/forms/north-dakota-development-fund-forms/. Both programs are available until June 30, 2011 and are available to all licensed profit, nonprofit and public child care facilities.



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The Higher Learning Commission Annual Meeting in Chicago

Connections That Work
Networking at the 2010 NCA/HLC Annual Meeting




Visit ncahlc.org/annualmeeting/ for information on registration, hotels and travel, and program details. Check back often for additional information on the general program, pre-conference and special programs.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We encourage you to Share this information with anyone who might be interested, including your institution's:

Commission Liaison
Self-Study Coordinator
Assessment Coordinator
Quality Improvement Administrator
General Education Administrator
Technology Administrator

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Prospective Business Partners:
The Commission's Business Partner Program offers promotional opportunities that connect companies with attendees.


The Higher Learning Commission's 2010 Annual Meeting offers an ideal forum for meeting, learning, and sharing with higher education colleagues. Whether it is a presentation, a roundtable on the topic of the day, or an impromptu conversation over lunch, the NCA/HLC Annual Meeting provides many opportunities for attendees to make connections and share information.
The Professional Development Program for Peer Reviewers, held before the General Program, is designed to enable peer reviewers both to invigorate their practices in the present and to envision the future, as well as to network with others.

Visit ncahlc.org/annualmeeting/ for information on featured speakers and the numerous workshops and educational programs on current issues in higher education, including accountability, assessment of student learning, institutional effectiveness, organizational change, and quality improvement.

Register today to take advantage of early bird discounts!

*In general, this program is designed for more experienced peer reviewers who have already participated in accreditation activities (visits, systems appraisals), but less experienced peer reviewers will certainly find it informative. This program, however, does not constitute the specific training required to serve as a Consultant-Evaluator or a Systems Appraiser.


Higher Learning Commission | 30 N LaSalle Street | Suite 2400 | Chicago, IL | 60602









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