October 28, 2009 - Only 1 Week Left to Register for the Round 1 Rebid of the DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program
Reminder: If you are a supplier interested in participating in the Round 1 Rebid of the Medicare durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS) competitive bidding program, you must register before November 4, 2009 at 9:00 p.m. EST. Suppliers that do not register cannot bid and are not eligible for contracts. Don’t wait – go to www.dmecompetitivebid.com and register TODAY!
October 7, 2009 - Time is Running Out to Register for the Round 1 Rebid of the Medicare Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding Program
If you are a supplier interested in participating in the Round 1 Rebid of the DMEPOS competitive bidding program and have registered an Authorized Official (AO) but not a Backup Authorized Official (BAO), we strongly recommend that a BAO register no later than this Friday, October 9, 2009. It is important to do it now so that the BAO will be able to assist the AO with approving End User (EU) registration. The establishment of a BAO is encouraged, if your company has someone that can occupy the BAO role, to avoid any disruption in the bidding process once the 60-day bid window opens. The individual in the BAO role can assume the AO role if for some reason the AO can no longer fulfill his or her bidding responsibilities. If there is no BAO for a company and the AO leaves the company, all end users associated with the company will lose access to the bidding system.
The deadline has now passed for AO registration. If the AO for your company has not already registered in the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Individuals Authorized Access to the CMS Computer Services (IACS) system, we cannot guarantee that he or she will be able to complete the registration process before the registration window closes on November 4, 2009 at 9 p.m. EST. This is especially a concern if the National Supplier Clearinghouse (NSC) record for your company is not current and accurate. AOs should register now to allow BAOs and EUs time to register. In addition, suppliers whose AOs do not register now run the risk of experiencing delays in accessing the on-line bidding system to get a bidder number and thereby missing the opportunity to submit financial documents by the Covered Document Review Date (CDRD). As a result, we encourage you to register now at www.dmecompetitivebid.com.
Remember, the AO and BAO must be listed on the CMS-855S enrollment form as an AO. Once the AO registers, then the AO’s user ID and password will be sent by mail and should be delivered within 10 days after successful registration. After an AO receives his or her user ID and password, the AO may designate other employees to serve as BAOs and/or EUs. BAOs and EUs must also register in order to be able to use the on-line bidding system. The legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number (SSN) of the AO and BAOs must match exactly with what is on file with the NSC in order to register successfully. Legal names, dates of birth, and SSNs of all users must also match what is on file with the Social Security Administration.
Registration will close on November 4, 2009 at 9:00 p.m. EST – no AOs, BAOs, or EUs can register after registration closes. Suppliers that do not register cannot bid.
To register, go to the Competitive Bidding Implementation Contractor (CBIC) website at www.dmecompetitivebid.com. Please review the IACS Reference Guide for step-by-step instructions on registration. The CBIC web site also has the following useful tools: a registration checklist; Quick Step guides; and frequently asked questions. All suppliers interested in bidding are urged to sign up for E-mail Updates on the home page of the CBIC website. If you have any questions about the registration process, please contact the CBIC Customer Service Center at 1-877-577-5331. For information about the competitive bidding areas and product categories included in the Round 1 Rebid, as well as bidder education materials, please visit the CBIC website at www.dmecompetitivebid.com.
October 5, 2009 - BID WINDOW TARGET DATE FOR THE ROUND 1 REBID OF THE MEDICARE DURABLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT, PROSTHETICS, ORTHOTICS, AND SUPPLIES (DMEPOS) COMPETITIVE BIDDING PROGRAM
On August 3, 2009, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued the bidding timeline for the Round 1 Rebid of the durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS) competitive bidding program and initiated a comprehensive bidder education campaign. The bidding timeline includes a target bid window opening date of October 21, 2009; CMS is currently on schedule to meet this target date. The official opening of the 60 day bid window will be announced via listserv message.
In order to avoid any overlap of the Round 1 Rebid contract period for mail-order diabetic supplies and a possible contract period resulting from a national mail-order competition, the Round 1 Rebid contract period for mail-order diabetic supplies will be 2 years. The contract period for all other Round 1 Rebid product categories will be 3 years.
The Competitive Bidding Implementation Contractor (CBIC) is the focal point for bidder education. Please visit the CBIC's dedicated website, www.dmecompetitivebid.com, for important information, including bidding rules, user guides, frequently asked questions, policy fact sheets, checklists, and bidding information charts. The CBIC toll-free help desk, 1-877-577-5331, is open to help bidders with all of their questions and concerns. All suppliers interested in bidding are urged to sign up for e-mail updates on the home page of the CBIC website.
On August 3, 2009 -
the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Service (CMS) issued the bidding timeline for the Round 1 Rebid of the DMEPOS competitive bidding program and initiated a comprehensive bidder education campaign. CMS’ Competitive Bidding Implementation Contractor (CBIC) is the focal point for bidder education. Please visit the CBIC's dedicated website, www.dmecompetitivebid.com, for important information, including bidding rules, user guides, frequently asked questions, policy fact sheets, checklists, and bidding information charts. The CBIC toll-free help desk, 1?877?577?5331, is open to help bidders with all of their questions and concerns. All suppliers interested in bidding are urged to sign up for e-mail updates on the home page of the CBIC website.
July 7, 2009 - From CMS -Get Ready for DMEPOS Competitive Bidding!: The Medicare Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) competitive bidding program Round 1 Rebid is coming soon!!
Update Your NSC Files
- Get Licensed
- Get Accredited
- Get Bonded
Read more...
June 17, 2009 - From VGM: TIME SENSITIVE! ACTION NEEDED!
Regulatory watchdog group, The Center for Regulatory Effectiveness (CRE) is seeking comments on issues that are currently affecting the DME industry
READ MORE...
June 18, 2009 - From the NIH listserv
The Medicare Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) competitive bidding program Round 1 Rebid is coming soon!!
READ MORE...
For additional information about the Medicare DMEPOS Competitive Bidding, please visit the CMS web site at: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/DMEPOSCompetitiveBid/01_overview.asp#TopOfPage
CLICK HERE to read the announcement from HomeCare Magazine.
March 17, 2009 - AAHomecare submits comments to CMS on the competitive bidding interim final rule
We recommend that CMS should immediately withdraw the IFR and issue a proposed rule that solicits public comments on the implementation of MIPPA and other modifications and improvements to the program. CLICK HERE to read the comments.
Talking Points and Useful Information
CLICK HERE to read NAIMES Talking Points Feb 2009
CLICK HERE to read AAHomecare Talking Points Feb 2009
February 13, 2009 - CMS Delays Competitive Bidding Rule
From the NIH Listserv: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has delayed the effective date for the Interim Final Rule with Comment Period that implements certain provisions of the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (MIPPA) for the Round 1 Rebid of the Medicare Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics and Supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Acquisition Program. The effective date was originally February 17, 2009 and is now April 18, 2009.
The original comment period on the Interim Final Rule remains unchanged. The public has until March 17, 2009, to submit comments on the substantive policy issues discussed in the rule.
Visit the CMS web site at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/DMEPOSCompetitiveBid/ to view additional information.
Representative Shuler (NC) holds Small Business Committee Hearing on National Competitive Bidding
CLICK HERE to veiw video of the hearing.
CLICK HERE to read the testimony submitted by Georgetta Blackburn on behalf of the American Association for Homecare.
CLICK HERE to read testimony submitted by Wayne Stanfield, NAIMES.
CMS Seeks Public Comment on Extending the Effective Date of the DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Interim Final Rule:
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a notice seeking comment on a contemplated delay of 60 days in the effective date of the interim final rule entitled "Medicare Program; Changes to the Competitive Acquisition of Certain Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics and Supplies (DMEPOS) by Certain Provisions of the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (MIPPA)." This notice is in accordance with the White House Chief of Staff’s memorandum of January 20, 2009 entitled "Regulatory Review." Read more...
http://www.cignagovernmentservices.com/jc/pubs/news/2009/0209/cope9319.html
From VGM:
To submit your comments:
Go to www.regulations.gov
Under "Search Documents," type in CMS-1561-NC and click on "Go." This will take you to a page that includes comments from other industry stakeholders.
On the left-hand side of the screen (a blue column), you will see several options allowing you to "narrow results." Under "Document Type," click on "Rules." This will narrow your search to the actual rule.
Click on "Send a Comment or Submission "
Enter your "submitter information," as well as your comments. The site will give you the option to include either a Word doc. or a .pdf file.
If you have any questions, please contact Jamie Blomme or Alan Morris at 800-642-6065.
January 15, 2009 - CMS Releases DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Interim Final Rule
CLICK HERE to read a summary provided by the American Associatin for Home Care
GAMES Legislative Director, John Rhodes meets with Congressman Nathan Deal
I had an opportunity to have a breakfast and meet with Congressmen Nathan Deal on 8/12/08. I had a very candid discussion on Competitive Bidding and how flawed the bidding process was. Congressman Deal indicated he was disturbed at the way the process unfolded which is why he voted in favor of the bill (HR6331). The process needed to be stopped and evaluated. Deal’s staff attributed GAMES’s lobbying activities in part to his decision to vote for the bill.
I feel we as an association, along with the national groups like AHHomecare, have his attention and appreciation for what we do. It is important for the future of out industry to continue dialog with the congressmen and fellow congressmen and women.
CLICK HERE to email Congressman Deal’s office to say thank you for supporting Home Care and Home Medical Equipment.
Defeat Competitive Bidding Fund
The American Association for Homecare needs your help in retiring a $200,000 debt incurred during a recent court challenge to competitive bidding. Visit www.aahomecare.org to learn how you can help!
HR6331 passes! - July 9, 2008
Today the senate passed HR6331, the bill which includes a delay to National Competitive Bidding as well as a repeal of the oxygen title transfer, by a veto-proof majority.
Congratulations to all of you that have called, faxed, and emailed your representatives and senators! Both Georgia Senators' Isakson and Chambliss were initially hesitant to offer their support of this bill, however, based on your hard work and determination, both Georgia Senators voted "yea" in today's vote. Way to go!!
Be sure to call and say thank you.
Johnny Isakson
Tel: 202-224-3643
Fax: 202-228-0724
Saxby Chambliss
Tel: 202-224-3521
Fax: 202-224-0103
CLICK HERE to read a special alert from HomeCare Magazine!
CLICK HERE to read HME Newswire!
June 24, 2008 - HR6331 Passes in the House!
HR 6331, the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008, passed the House of Representatives moments ago by a veto-proof margin of 355 to 59.
This House legislation has been strongly supported by AAHomecare and other industry organizations because it delays the start of the Medicare competitive bidding program by about 24 months through a 9.5% payment cut to bidded homecare items and services nationwide but it does not allow additional cuts to oxygen payments and power wheelchairs.
While the House vote is a positive development, it may not be enough to influence Chairman Baucus and Senator Grassley, who are rumored to be close to reaching a bipartisan agreement on a Medicare package that would be acceptable to the White House. We believe that the Senate legislation would delay the start of the Medicare competitive bidding program for approximately 2 years but would also impose additional cuts to oxygen and power wheelchairs.
CLICK HERE to read the bill.
Senators Isakson and Chambliss send letter to HHS Secretary Leavitt requesting delay of NCB
On July 2, 2008, one day after the implementation of national competitive bidding in the first 10 MSA's, Georgia Senators Isakson and Chambliss send a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary, Michael Leavitt, requesting a delay in CB pending a legislative fix when congress reconvenes after the July 4th holiday.
CLICK HERE to read the letter.
H.R. 6331 Fails to Get 60 Senate Votes Needed to Go Forward – 58 to 40
Friday, June 27, 2008 - Yesterday evening, in an attempt to begin formal debate leading to a vote on the H.R. 6331 before the July 4 recess, Senate proponents failed to get the 60 votes needed to end debate and move to a vote. H.R. 6331, the Medicare Improvement for Patients and Providers Act of 2008, includes provisions to reform and delay the competitive bidding program, which were strongly endorsed by the American Association for Homecare, VGM, MED Group, GAMES and numerous other industry stakeholders. Senate Leadership had offered this House bill for a vote instead of a Senate version previously known as the Baucus-Grassley compromise.
Read a message from VGM here ...
Read a message from AMEPA president, Rob Brandt here...
Tuesday, June 24, 2008 - HR 6331 Passes
HR 6331, the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008, passed the House of Representatives moments ago by a veto-proof margin of 355 to 59. (HR 6252 was previously "rolled into" this larger Bill.)
This House legislation has been strongly supported by AAHomecare and other industry organizations because it delays the start of the Medicare competitive bidding program by about 24 months through a 9.5% payment cut to bidded homecare items and services nationwide but it does not allow additional cuts to oxygen payments and power wheelchairs.
While the House vote is a positive development, it may not be enough to influence Chairman Baucus and Senator Grassley, who are rumored to be close to reaching a bipartisan agreement on a Medicare package that would be acceptable to the White House. We believe that the Senate legislation would delay the start of the Medicare competitive bidding program for approximately 2 years but would also impose additional cuts to oxygen and power wheelchairs.
CLICK HERE to read the entire bill.
HR6252 Medicare DMEPOS Competitive Acquisition Reform Act of 2008 introduced!
GAMES urges members to contact your Representatives and ask for their support of this legislation to delay Medicare Bidding by 18 months!
Read AAHomecare's summary of the legislation here.
Read the entire bill here.
CLICK HERE to read a message from Ron Bendell, President of VGM and Associates.
CLICK HERE to read a message from Don Clayback, VP Government Relations, MED Group
Although GAMES would have preferred to see a smaller percentage, across the board cut to pay for the delay, we offer our support for HR 6252 and urge all members to contact their congressmen.
CLICK HERE for contact information on Georgia's US Representatives.
June 11, 2008 - Two important lawsuits filed opposing Medicare’s Competitive Bidding Program
VGM’s “Last Chance for Patient Choice” retains Jeffrey Baird of Brown and Fortunato to file lawsuit opposing Medicare’s Competitive Bidding Program. Read the entire original complaint.. American Association for Homecare Sues U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to Halt Controversial Medicare Bidding Program Scheduled to Start July 1
ARLINGTON, VA, June 11, 2008 ------- Citing faulty implementation of Medicare’s competitive bidding program for durable medical equipment, prosthetics, and supplies (DMEPOS), the American Association for Homecare filed a federal lawsuit on June 9 seeking to stop the controversial bidding program. The bidding program, enacted as part of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Action of 2003 (MMA), is scheduled to be implemented in 10 metropolitan statistical areas throughout the U.S. on July 1, 2008. Those 10 areas include Charlotte, N.C.; Cincinnati, Ohio; Cleveland, Ohio; Dallas - Ft. Worth, Texas; Kansas City, Mo.; Miami, Fla.; Orlando, Fla.; Pittsburgh, Pa.; Riverside, Calif.; and San Juan, P.R. The American Association for Homecare complaint names as defendants U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Michael Leavitt and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Acting Administrator Kerry Weems. The complaint was filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. The Association, which initiated the complaint on behalf of its members, argues that the regulatory implementation of the bidding program has resulted in numerous violations of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Action of 2003 (MMA), the Small Business Act, and the Administrative Procedures Act.
Read more on the specifics of the complaint..
Senators George Voinovich (R-Ohio) and Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) circulate letter requesting a delay in Round 1 of National Competitive Bidding!
The letter is addressed to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.), Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Senate Finance Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.), and Senate Finance Ranking Member Charles Grassley (R-Iowa.).
Specifically, the letter asks Senators to “support legislation in the next few weeks to suspend implementation of this program until outstanding issues can be resolved.” The letter describes alleged discrepancies between information submitted by bidders and received by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), reports of companies who won bids to serve beneficiaries in areas where the company has no proximate physical location, and concerns that the bidding rules were not the same for all suppliers.
The letter concludes, “Given the gravity of these concerns, the importance of providing access to quality items and services under the Medicare program, and the need for a comprehensive beneficiary education campaign prior to changes in the DMEPOS program, we support legislation to delay the program until all of the issues can be addressed.”
CLICK HERE to read the letter.
Final Dear Colleague letter sent to the Ways and Means Committee requesting a delay of at least a year to the implementation of Round One of the bidding program.
CLICK HERE to see the letter with signatures. The final number of signatories is 132.
CLICK HERE to view the complete co-signer list categorized by state. (Thank you to AAHomecare)
CLICK HERE for notes from the Georgia Delegation's visit to DC on May 21, 2008.
Calling your Senator or Representative and need a few talking points?
CLICK HERE for commonly accepted industry talking points on NCB.
Delay Round 1 of National Competitive Bidding!
On May 15, three homecare champions, US Representatives John Tanner (D-Tenn.), David Hobson (R-Ohio), and Jason Altmire (D-Pa.), circulated a “Dear Colleague Letter” calling for a one-year delay in Competitive Bidding to all members of the House. The sign on letter would go Ways and Means Health Subcommittee Pete Stark (D-Calif.) and Ranking Member Dave Camp (R-Mich.). Contact your representative and ask him to sign on to the letter by Thursday, May 22.
Click Here to read the letter.
May 19, 2008 CMS Announces Round-One Bidding Winners and Extended Accreditation Deadline for Round Two
(from AAHomecare)
Today, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the 325 homecare providers that have signed contracts with Medicare to provide the bid home medical equipment items to beneficiaries in 10 Round One bidding areas. In a written statement, CMS continued to tout the benefits of the competitive bidding program although the homecare community and Congress have revealed numerous flaws in the program including threats to services, quality, and unfair treatment of bidding providers.
See a list of contract providers in the 10 Round One areas by visiting www.medicare.gov (under “Search Tools.” Select “Find Suppliers of Medical Equipment in Your Area.”
Or Click Here.
The bidding program goes into effect on July 1, 2008, in 10 areas. CMS said in a statement that it “offered contracts to 23 percent of suppliers that submitted bids. These suppliers were in the winning price range and met quality and financial standards and disclosure requirements. Sixty-one percent of the bids submitted were priced higher than the winning range, and just over half of these high-priced submissions were disqualified because they failed to meet other bid requirements. The remaining 16 percent of bids would have been in the winning range had they not been disqualified.”
CMS also announced that it will extend the deadline for suppliers in the 70 second round metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) to become accredited. CMS is extending the deadline because a significant number of suppliers in those communities have not yet applied for accreditation. Providers must be accredited or have applied for accreditation by July 21, 2008, (formerly May 14, 2008), and the final accreditation deadline for the second round of competitive bidding is now January 14, 2009, a change from the October 31, 2008 deadline. CMS is urging suppliers in the 70 MSAs to apply for accreditation immediately because if they do not meet these accreditation deadlines, they will not be able to compete for contracts to furnish competitively bid items to Medicare beneficiaries in these areas.
Additional information on the DMEPOS competitive bidding program is available at www.cms.hhs.gov/DMEPOSCompetitiveBid.
CMS to Host National Education Call on Competitive Bidding May 27, 2008
READ More....
May 13, 2008 The CBIC has now posted the following information on grandfathered suppliers under the DME competitive bidding program on its Web site.
Sample Notification Letters for Grandfathered and Non-Grandfathered Suppliers
Suppliers that were furnishing certain rented durable medical equipment (DME) or oxygen and oxygen equipment at the time a competitive bidding program begins in a competitive bidding area (CBA) may become grandfathered suppliers by continuing to furnish these items to the Medicare beneficiaries who have been receiving these items, even if the suppliers do not become contract suppliers for these items in the CBA. Grandfathered items must be any of the following:
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Inexpensive or routinely purchased items furnished on a rental basis;
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Items requiring frequent and substantial servicing;
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Oxygen and oxygen equipment (not including oxygen contents, supplies or accessories furnished for use in conjunction with beneficiary-owned equipment);
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Capped rental items furnished on a rental basis.
A non-contract supplier that elects to become a grandfathered supplier is responsible for providing notification to its Medicare customers residing in CBAs who are furnished grandfathered items. In addition, a non-contract supplier that elects not to become a grandfathered supplier should provide notification to the beneficiary stating the supplier will not continue to furnish, after the start of the Medicare DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program, the competitively bid item(s) that the beneficiary has been receiving from the supplier. Notification guidelines can be found in Chapter 36 of CMS’ Claims Processing Internet Only Manual by visiting the CMS Web site at: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/Transmittals/01_overview.asp.
Sample notification letters:
Grandfathered
Non-Grandfathered
Article available:
http://www.dmecompetitivebid.com/Palmetto/Cbic.nsf/docsCat/Sample%20Notification%20Letters%20for%20Grandfathered%20and%20Non-Grandfathered%20Suppliers%20?opendocument
The House Ways and Means Subcommitee on Health Hearing May 6, 2008
Click Here to read industry notes and observations.
Click Here to read Alston and Bird's Summary of House Ways and Means Hearing on DME Competitive Bidding
A List of Questions for CMS
Click Here to read the list of questions developed by VGM and AAHomecare April 2008.
Senators Send Meeting Request to HHS Secretary Leavitt to Discuss Competitive Bidding
Senator George Voinovich, R-Oh., along with Senators Arlen Specter, R-Pa.; Pat Roberts, R-Kan.; Richard Burr, R-NC; Johnny Isakson, R-Ga.; John Cornyn, R-Tx.; and Jim DeMint, R-SC sent a letter to HHS Secretary Michael Leavitt on April 23 requesting a meeting to discuss the competitive bidding program's "status and next steps." Before moving forward with future rounds of the program, the senators have requested that a resolution of the issues be made. Our first concern is the alleged discrepancies between information submitted by bidders and received by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
The letter also requests that CMS provide more transperancy on how bidders' financial documents and service capacity were evaluated.
To view the full letter, click here.
A summary of the issues surrounding Round 1 of National Competitive Bidding
Many suppliers submitting bids were improperly and unfairly disqualified from the process because according to the denial letters they received, they were missing data. However, most of these disqualified bidders can demonstrate Read More
April 2, 2008
Sen. Sherrod Brown - Delay Round One of Bidding to Fix Errors
This week, several congressional champions for homecare stood up for homecare and spoke up in favor of delaying Round One of competitive bidding. Yesterday, Senator Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) sent a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Michael Leavitt urging that Leavitt postpone further implementation of the competitive bidding program for durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics and supplies (DMEPOS). Brown’s letter said the bidding program “is seriously flawed and will undermine beneficiary access and quality of care for the millions of Americans that rely on the DMEPOS benefit..”
Brown cited a list of questions that must be addressed as well as several Round One problems, including a defective application process characterized by “unclear instructions, unrealistic and constantly changing deadlines;” the overlooked role of small suppliers that require special protection; the short 10-day time frame for evaluating contracts; and the incorrectly disqualified bids combined with the absence of an appeals process to correct mistakes made by CMS.
Washington Update, March 20, 2008
American Association for Homecare
CMS Announces Bid Ranges for First Round of Competitive Bidding
During a Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) news briefing today on competitive bidding in round one, acting administrator Kerry Weems announced the bid ranges for the first ten metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs). According to CMS, a total of 6,300 bids were received with hundreds of providers participating.
CLICK HERE to view the bid rates by product category and area, as well as single payment amount charts for each bidding category.
In response to today’s CMS press conference, Tyler J. Wilson, president of the American Association for Homecare, said, “Despite the enthusiasm of CMS evident in today’s announcement, the American Association for Homecare thinks the jury is still very much out on the question of competitive bidding and its impact both on beneficiary access to care and the quality of that care.”
CMS cited an estimated average of 26% savings for some DMEPOS supplies during the first round. Weems also suggested there would be $1 billion in annual savings for the cost of home medical equipment for Medicare once the program is implemented in the first 80 MSAs. Sixty-four percent of providers that will be asked to participate as contract suppliers are small suppliers, according to Weems.
“The CMS announcement today painted an incomplete picture of competitive bidding. Access to care and the ultimate quality of care was brushed over and ignored,” Wilson stated. “The CMS perspective seems to be limited to focusing on payment cuts. After July 1 when the program is implemented, we will begin to get a sense of the services that contract providers may have had to eliminate in order to meet CMS’s singular concern about home medical equipment pricing.”
As reported earlier by AAHomecare, letters to participants in the first round of the competitive bidding program will be sent via FedEx this evening. Three types of letters will be mailed: providers with successful bids (that is, suppliers whose bids fell within the winning range); providers with qualified bids but outside the winning range; and providers whose bids were disqualified. Providers will have until April 3, 2008 to accept contracts.
According to the CBIC website, after the program begins, bidders that did not become contract suppliers generally cannot receive Medicare payment for competitively bid items. However, they may choose to continue in the Medicare program as grandfathered suppliers for existing customers if they supply certain rented items or oxygen or oxygen equipment to Medicare beneficiaries. Bidders that do not become contract suppliers for the first round of bidding may bid in future rounds. The contract period is three years for all product categories except mail-order diabetic supplies.
The current Medicare fee schedule payment amounts will continue for providers whose beneficiaries do not reside in the first round MSAs and for items that are not subject to the Medicare DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program.
The list of contract suppliers will be available on www.cms.hhs.gov/CompetitiveAcqforDMEPOS/ when all contracts are finalized this spring.
National Competitive Bidding expert, Jeffrey S. Baird Esq. with Brown and Fortunato, PC, keeps a close watch on NCB.
Read More of his findings...
March 2008
House and Senate send Dear Colleague letters to CMS raising concern for small businesses under the Medicare Competitive Bidding program.
CLICK HERE for Congressman Altmire'se letter.
CLICK HERE for Senators Voinovich and Brown's letter.
CMS responds with a bit of spin! CLICK HERE
February 22, 2008
Today the American Association for Homecare sent the attached letter to Secretary of Health and Human Services Michael Leavitt and CMS Administrator Kerry Weems urging round one of competitive bidding be suspended. The letter cites the February 18 economic study by Robert Morris University and urges CMS to study the report and analyze its findings.
Medicare Announces the Metropolitan Statistical Areas and Product Categories for the Second Round of the DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program
On January 8, 2008, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) and product categories for the second roun
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