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Permalink Reply by lane jaeckle santos on November 3, 2009 at 8:11am

I honestly do not know- but I would assume that it means that more medical device manufacturers will either get paid for outstanding debt, or money is set aside for their services in the future.

I'm watching the Healthcare bills, too, but its important to realize that even if both house and senate pass, when they have reconciliation of the two bills, A LOT can change very quickly.

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Permalink Reply by Larry D on November 3, 2009 at 8:32am

It is my understanding that this is a fee to be imposed on the medical device manufacturers which I assume will be passed through to consumers. I do not know if pumps, etc are included. Good question we should be asking as this process continues.

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Permalink Reply by Shannon on November 3, 2009 at 8:50am

I believe it specifically applies to medical devices like insulin pumps. I'm afraid that this will only increase the amount we'll have to pay each month for supplies. These types of taxes don't really affect manufacturers; they're usually passed onto the consumer.

But, I guess when you've got a $900 billion tab for healthcare "reform," someone's got to pay for it. I just wish it wasn't me (or you).

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Permalink Reply by Robin M on November 3, 2009 at 10:02am

Many of you guys have traditional pumps. One medical device that you keep for about 4 years. I use Omnipod. I put on a medical device, use it for three days and throw it away and put on another.

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Permalink Reply by Shannon on November 3, 2009 at 10:32am

Our actual pump hardware might be purchased every four years, but we are required to change our infusion sets (which inculdes a reservoir and tubing - all purchased separately) every 2-3 days. There is a significant monthly expense with all pumps, not just Omnipod.

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Permalink Reply by Robin M on November 3, 2009 at 11:05am

I understand that Shannon, but your infusion set I doubt would be viewed as a "medical device". Whereas my infusion set and pump or medical device are one and the same.

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Permalink Reply by Shannon on November 3, 2009 at 11:15am

Actually, all pumps and supplies are referred to as Durable Medical Equipment (DME) under all insurance plans I've ever had. The materials I saw related to the proposed healthcare reform bill also use that same terminology (DME).

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Permalink Reply by MelissaM on November 3, 2009 at 11:41am

This is how I view medical devices as. If they have it at a hospital then it's a medical device. Syringes included. I could be wrong on that but that's how I saw it as. that could also mean that our Meters are apart of it too and that goes for every diabetic who has issues. I think this bill is nothing but problems.

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Permalink Reply by Robin M on November 3, 2009 at 11:42am

Well then we may all be up @%!* creek without a paddle.

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Permalink Reply by Elizabeth on November 3, 2009 at 5:14pm

Only if we don't start immediately writing to our Senators and congressional reps to point out that these fees are putting a huge burden on a segment of the population that already pays through the nose for life-preserving care. Average cost of diabetes supplies is $12000/year. If you don't wish to pay more, start writing letters. I've sent two letters to Sens. Collins and Snowe already, and intend to send many many more. Folks, diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases there is. There is power in numbers. It's just a question of getting everyone to put their voice into the choir, as it were.

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