From: The Press-Enterprise
Federal officials say a new system for distributing wheelchairs and other medical goods to frail, elderly and disabled people will start Saturday, despite renewed warnings that it will fail and put patients in jeopardy.
Previously, the government paid equipment suppliers based on a decades-old fee schedule established by federal law. Now, to save money and reduce the chance of fraud, beds, oxygen, diabetic supplies and other equipment will be provided only by companies that have won government contracts through a bidding process.