Changes to DMEPOS competitive bidding program in effect April 18

The Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (MIPPA), enacted on July 15, 2008, made limited changes to the competitive bidding program for Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics and Supplies (DMEPOS), including a requirement that the Secretary conduct a second competition to select suppliers for Round 1 in 2009. 

 CMS issued an interim final rule with comment period on January 16, 2009, incorporating into existing regulations specific statutory requirements contained in MIPPA related to the competitive bidding program. The Obama administration delayed the effective date for the final rule to allow CMS officials the opportunity for further review of the issues of law and policy raised by the rule.  Based upon its review and on the need to ensure that CMS is able to meet the statutory deadlines contained in MIPPA, the Administration has concluded that the effective date should not be further delayed. The rule will become effective April 18, 2009; however, there will be no immediate effect on the Medicare DMEPOS benefit and Medicare beneficiaries may continue to use their current DMEPOS suppliers at this time.