The SCOOTER Store Accepts Medicare Contracts

NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas, Nov. 4, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- The SCOOTER Store, the nation's largest provider of power mobility solutions and services, has accepted multiple contracts to provide durable medical equipment (DME) items in round one of the Medicare competitive bidding program.

The company accepted contracts from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to provide standard power mobility devices (wheelchairs and scooters) and complex rehab group 2 power wheelchairs in all nine bidding areas included in round one. The complex rehab division of the company, Alliance Seating & Mobility, will continue providing customers with customized complex rehab technology and solutions in all bidding areas and across the country.

"We are pleased that CMS has selected The SCOOTER Store as one of their quality suppliers for the competitive bidding program. As a result, we will continue to help people live independently at home with an enhanced quality of life," said Doug Harrison, founder, chairman, and CEO of The SCOOTER Store. "However, we share many of the same industry concerns voiced at a recent Congressional hearing on competitive bidding and those expressed by 166 economists in a recent letter to the Committee on Ways and Means regarding the current program design."

The SCOOTER Store has been investing in the infrastructure, systems, resources, training and third-party relationships needed to participate in the competitive bidding program, along with satisfying all required licensing and accreditations. In a recent news release, the company announced the formalization of a Home Care equipment division, which has been in existence for 18 months before the public announcement.

Leveraging the efforts of this division, the company has accepted contracts to provide hospital beds and related accessories in all nine bidding areas. Hospital beds and related accessories are highly synergistic with The SCOOTER Store's existing infrastructure and business model for national in-home equipment delivery and service. The company has already begun providing hospital beds for insurance reimbursement.  

Finally, the Home Care division has submitted bids and accepted contracts for the company to provide oxygen equipment and supplies in four targeted bidding areas: Dallas/Fort Worth/Arlington, Miami/Fort Lauderdale/Pompano Beach, Orlando/Kissimmee and Riverside/San Bernardino/Ontario.

"Many beneficiaries who use power mobility have chronic medical conditions that may also require the use of oxygen and/or hospital beds," added Harrison.  "The long-term goal for The SCOOTER Store is to 'Give every elderly or disabled American the ability to live their entire life safely and confidently at home.' Our acceptance of these contracts for hospital beds and oxygen equipment is aligned with that long-term goal and positions the company for accelerated growth by serving beneficiaries in more ways."

About The SCOOTER Store:

Since 1991, The SCOOTER Store has helped provide freedom and independence to more people with limited mobility than any other company in the nation. The company offers power mobility solutions, including power wheelchairs, scooters, lifts, ramps, and accessories, in 48 states. The company also provides Home Care products and related services in some markets. Using these solutions provides today's seniors an alternative to living in nursing homes or other care facilities. The company's goal is to create an opportunity for every disabled or senior American to live their entire life safely and confidently at home. The SCOOTER Store was recently recognized by FORTUNE magazine in its prestigious 100 Best Places to Work For in America for the second time. The company is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Health Care.  For more information, visit www.thescooterstore.com.

SOURCE The SCOOTER Store