... Medical Equipment Regional Carriers In October 1993, the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) began processing Part B claims for medical equipment and supplies through four durable medical ... claims and purchasing medical equipment and supplies from participating and non-participating suppliers. We suggest, for example, that HCFA direct the durable medical equipment regional carriers ... balance billing for durable medical equipment and supplies. BACKGROUND Part B of the Medicare program covers outpatient services and items, including durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics,...