Current Changes and how to register for DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program

What is DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program?

The DMEPOS (Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics and Supplies) Competitive Bidding Program was created by Congress for the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003. This law was passed with the intent to replace the fee schedule payment system with a contracted bidding process. This was an attempt to reduce out-of-pocket expenses and save the Medicare program money. This idea was to improve the effectiveness of the Medicare systems for setting DMEPOS payment amounts, which (in theory) reduce beneficiary out-of-pocket expenses and save the Medicare program money, while ensuring beneficiary access to quality items and services.

How to enroll as a DMEPOS supplier.

DMEPOS suppliers must enroll in the Medicare program using the Medicare enrollment application
(Form CMS-855S) in order to be eligible to receive Medicare payment for covered services provided to Medicare
beneficiaries. The Medicare enrollment application is used to collect information about you and secure the necessary documentation to ensure you are qualified and eligible to enroll in the Medicare program.

The process for becoming a Medicare DMEPOS supplier is as follows:

• The applicant completes and submits the the Medicare enrollment application (Form CMS-855S) and all
  supporting documentation to the NSC (National Supplier Clearinghouse).
• The NSC reviews the application and conducts a site visit to verify compliance with all DMEPOS
  supplier standards (see 42 CFR 424.57).
• After completing its review, the NSC notifies the applicant in writing about its enrollment decision.

On March 7, 2019, CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) announced plans to consolidate the competitive bidding areas (CBAs) included in the; Round 2 Re-compete and Round 1 2017 DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program, into a single round of competition named Round 2021. Round 2021 contracts are scheduled to become effective on January 1, 2021, and extend through December 31, 2023. In order to take part in the bidding process, DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Bonds must be in place by JULY 16, 2019. (See CMS Timeline here) The bid window opens July 16, 2019 and closes September 18, 2019 for round 2021.

The registration window opens June 10, 2019. Click here to register with CMS to be able to bid.   All Competitive Bidding Bonds will be required to complete the registration. One bond will be required for each Competitive Bidding Area.

Getting The Bond

Surety1.com, a service of AssuredPartners (Surety1)makes it easy to apply. Simply click here to access our easy to navigate, online application. You will have the opportunity to upload business and personal financial statements or they can be sent separately. Once the application is received you will be contacted by one of our friendly and knowledgeable agents within one business day.

Surety Solutions has been providing surety bonds nationwide since 2003. The company maintains an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and is licensed in all 50 states. All of our markets are Companies Holding Certificates of Authority as Acceptable Sureties on Federal Bonds. This is a requirement for all DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Bonds.