DME Providers: Wright and Filippis Says Good Bye to Rehab Equipment for Southwest Michigan

Today we were informed that Wright and Filippis, will no longer be providing rehab equipment such as walkers, wheelchairs, bath chairs etc. to southwest Michigan (for full list of counties see bottom of post.)
Wright and Filippis states they are changing direction, they will continue to fulfill contracts in the Grand Rapids area.


When asked why the change of direction the Wright and Filippis representative did not have much information.  I would imagine poor Medicaid reimbursement may be the reason for Writght and Filipis' 'change in direction.'  Southwest Michigan has a heavy concentration of Medicaid and Medicare neither of which reimburses vendors much above their costs.


Poor Medicaid and Medicare reimbursement has forced several DME companies out of business over the last 5 years.  Maybe Wright and Filippis' decision is based on self preservation.  Please continue to contact your senators and state representatives to let them know Medicaid and Medicare are important to the elderly, and handicapped of our state and by cutting reimbursement costs not only are people going without necessary medical equipment but we are further cutting the throats of businesses and corporations in our state which we need for commerce and for jobs. 

Michigan Medicaid Reaches an Agreement with Wright and Flippis

Good news!!  We just heard Wright and Flippis just worked out a deal with Michigan Medicaid and will now start servicing Medicaid clients!!


It has been a couple of months since Wright and Flippis and Carelinc quit taking Michigan Medicaid because Medicaid was paying just above cost for equipment.  Equipment being wheelchairs, bath chairs, standers, etc.  'Cost' being the actual price vendors such as Wright and Flippis could purchase equipment.

Federal Medicaid News

As states struggle to tackle soaring budget deficits, the nation’s top health official is offering advice on trimming Medicaid costs, but says cutting people with disabilities from the program is a no-no.

In a letter sent to governors across the country on Thursday, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius offered suggestions for Medicaid cost savings, pointing out that 40 percent of 2008 spending on the program covered benefits that are considered optional.

Click to read more,
http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2011/02/04/possible-medicaid-cuts/12193/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=February+4%2C+2010%3A+News+from+Disability+Scoop&utm_source=YMLP&utm_term=

Michigan Medicaid: Access to Adaptive Equipment Becoming More Difficult

I just got word today that Wright and Flippis will no longer be providing durable medical equipment for clients with straight Michigan Medicaid or Children's Special Healthcare Services. This is a huge hit to anyone with Michigan Medicaid especially handicapped kids.

This is my understanding of the Michigan Medicaid issues based on discussions with people from Mary Free Bed, University of Michigan and Wright and Flippis.