The first round of the 2017 Medicare Durable Medicare Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics and Supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding Program, timeline was recently announced by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). In addition, CMS announces the launch of a bidder education program that was designed so that DMEPOS suppliers interested in bidding receive the information and assistance they need to submit complete and comprehensive bids in a timely manner.
The DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program changes the amount Medicare pays for certain equipment like walkers and wheelchairs using market-based prices, while maintaining beneficiary access to items and services and quality of care. Additionally, this program helps to limit fraud and abuse in Medicare.
According to the announcement, CMS is required by section 1847(b)(3)(B) of the Social Security Act to recompete contracts under the DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program at least once every three years. Suppliers must then compete to become a Medicare contract supplier by submitting bids to provide certain items in competitive bidding areas. The new, lower payment amounts resulting from the competitions replace the fee schedule amounts for the bid items in these areas.
For more information about the DMEPOS Competitive Bidding program, please visit the Competitive Bidding Implementation Contractor's websitewww.dmecompetitivebid.com.
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