The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently announced the timeline for the Round One Rebid of the DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program. The Round One Rebid includes oxygen and oxygen equipment, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines, respiratory assist devices (RADs), and related supplies and accessories. Suppliers that wish to participate in the Round One Rebid, including suppliers that were awarded contracts in the first Round One (2007), must register and submit a new bid application.

The 60-day supplier bidding for the Round One Rebid begins in October. The bidder registration period to obtain user IDs and passwords is now open. CMS urges those interested in bidding to register as soon as possible.

In May 2009, CMS began a prebidding supplier awareness campaign and is now beginning a comprehensive supplier education campaign leading up to the bidding period.

The announcement stated, “CMS is employing an intensive education effort designed to ensure that DMEPOS suppliers interested in bidding get all the information they need to submit a complete bid in a timely manner. CMS will focus initially on preparing suppliers for the registration period. As suppliers get registered for the competitive bidding process, CMS education and outreach efforts will intensify with particular focus on information specific to registered bidders and the bidding process.”

CMS has designated the CMS Competitive Bidding Implementation Contractor (CBIC) as the focal point for bidder education.

The CBIC toll-free help desk is now open and can be reached by calling (877) 577-5331.

CMS has announced the following bidding timeline for the program:

August 2009
CMS begins bidder education campaign; bidder registration period to obtain user IDs and passwords begins

September 30, 2009
• Supplier accreditation deadline

October 2, 2009
• Supplier surety bond deadline

October 2009
• Bidder registration period ends
• 60-day supplier bid window opens

December 2009
• Bidding ends

2010
• Review bids, finalize contracts, educate suppliers, providers, and beneficiaries

January 1, 2011
• DMEPOS competitive bidding program begins for beneficiaries   

Related article:
No Further Delay of Final Rule for Competitive Bidding Program