Medicare has paid higher than market rates for medical equip. and supplies provided to beneficiaries under Medicare Part B. Medicare has used fee schedules base

In 2009, Medicare spent approx. $8.1 billion on durable medical equipment (DME), prosthetics, orthotics, and related supplies for 10.6 million beneficiaries. DM

Medicare: Competitive Bidding for Medical Equipment and Supplies Could Reduce Program Payments, but Adequate Oversight Is Critical