This is an old link. Competitive bidding is moving into the implementation of the 1st round and CMS just announced the scope and MSA’s for the 2nd round, January 2008.
Welcome to the DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Implementation Contractor (CBIC) Web Site
This Web site will serve as an important source of information regarding the DMEPOS competitive bidding program.
Additional information regarding the program will be posted on this Web site and on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Web site below, after the final rule is issued.
CMS has contracted with Palmetto GBA to conduct certain functions relating to the administration of the DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program. These functions include: preparing the request for bids (RFB), performing bid evaluations, and ensuring that suppliers meet all applicable financial and quality standards. In addition, Palmetto GBA will support CMS efforts to conduct an education program for beneficiaries, suppliers and referral agents. Palmetto GBA also assists CMS and its contractors in monitoring the program’s effectiveness, access and quality.
For Suppliers
If you are interested in learning more about the Competitive Bidding Program, this section will provide tools, instructions and resources to assist you.
For Health Care Providers
If you are a physician or other type of healthcare professional who orders medical equipment and supplies for your Medicare patients, this section will provide information about the program, policies and procedures.
For People with Medicare
If you are enrolled in the traditional fee-for-service Medicare Part B plan, this section will provide information and resources you need to learn about the program and how it affects you.
The DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program is part of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 (MMA) (Pub. L. 108-173), which amended Section 1847 of the Social Security Act. The statute requires that Medicare replace the current DMEPOS (Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics and Supplies) payment methodology for certain items with a competitive bidding process. The intent is to improve its method for setting DMEPOS payment amounts, which will reduce beneficiary out-of-pocket expenses and provide cost savings to the Medicare program while ensuring beneficiary access to quality DMEPOS items and services from qualified suppliers.
Bulletin:
It is very important that all suppliers update and maintain the accuracy of their supplier files with the National Supplier Clearinghouse (NSC). The supplier standards require that suppliers notify the NSC of any changes to the information provided on the CMS 855S application form within 30 days. Information and instructions on how to submit a change of information may be found on the NSC Web site at www.palmettogba.com/nsc. Any supplier planning to participate in the Competitive Bidding Program should carefully review their NSC information to ensure it is accurate.
In addition, it is very important that all suppliers that plan to participate in the Competitive Bidding Program be accredited by a CMS-approved accrediting organization. Suppliers that have not already done so, should begin the process of receiving accreditation. A list of deemed accreditation organizations is available at www.cms.hhs.gov/CompetitiveAcqforDMEPOS/.
We encourage you to register to receive updates on the Competitive Bidding Program.