Stop the Competitive Bidding Program Until the Financial Standards Are Released

Statement of Jim Tozzi [1]

Before

The CMS Program and Oversight Committee ( PAOC )

March 17, 2010

Stop the Competitive Bidding Program Until the Financial Standards Are Released

We filed the petition in November and I appreciate the enormity of the decision to release the financial standards.  However since the statute states that no bids can be awarded unless the bidders meet the financial standards “specified” by the Secretary, it is imperative that the Competitive Bidding program be delayed until the Secretary releases the aforementioned financial standards.

We have worked with CMS on a number of issues and I can understand the need for a timely venting of the issue—I have been there myself. However lack of a response is no excuse for proceeding with a program which violates the law.

For the complete testimony see the attachment below.

[1] Former Assistant Director White House Office of  Management and Budget