(Juneau) - The Administrative Regulation Review Committee (ARRC), under the chairmanship of Representative Tom Anderson (R-Anchorage), has scheduled a hearing on new regulations affecting Durable Medical Equipment (DME) providers for Tuesday, February 21, 2006 at 3:00 PM in the Fahrenkamp Room 203 of the State Capitol.

The Department of Health and Social Services has adopted new regulations, effective January 11, 2006, that affect DME providers and the rates regarding Medicaid allowable costs for incontinence and other supplies. DME providers are saying that some of these new rates fall below their own cost for those items.

Also, the new regulations increase the steps in the process by adding requirements for more Prior Authorizations before submitting reimbursement requests. The Department is seeking to help reduce waste and fraud in the system. The DME providers respond that the increase in paperwork will not save the Department money.

The Commissioner and representatives from the Department of Health and Human Services have confirmed their attendance. Dwayne Peeples, Director of Health Services will be there. Several DME companies, including Geneva Woods Health Care Services and South East Alaska Medical Suppliers, Inc., will also be testifying.

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