Change Request 5978: Installment 1 of New Chapter in Medicare Internet Only Manual for DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has published the first of several installments by adding a new chapter 36 to the existing Medicare Claims Processing Manual (Pub. 100-04) which provides instructions for Medicare contractors for the Medicare Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics and Supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding Program. This first installment contains instructions regarding the overall policy of the Medicare DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program including, but not limited to, policy on grandfathered suppliers and items, and transfer of title of capped rental DME items, oxygen and oxygen equipment. Suppliers should be aware of the notification requirement to its Medicare customers who maintain a permanent residence in competitive bidding areas (CBAs) and are furnished grandfathered items. To view sample notification letters that suppliers may use to notify Medicare beneficiaries of whether or not they elect to become a grandfathered supplier, please visit the CBIC website at: http://www.dmecompetitivebid.com .

Subsequent installments of this chapter on the Medicare DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program will contain additional instructions and information about the program. In addition, the instructions within this first installment may be revised in subsequent installments in order to clarify language or add additional information on policy.

To view the first installment of Chapter 36 of the Claims Processing Manual entitled, "Competitive Bidding Program for Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS)" (Change Request 5978), please visit the CMS website at: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/transmittals/downloads/R1502CP.pdf .

New DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Web Page Re-Design

CMS announces the release of its newly redesigned web page on the DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program. This dedicated web page provides the most current and reliable information for Medicare providers, suppliers and referral agents. The web address is: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/DMEPOSCompetitiveBid . Bookmark this NEW page as new information and resources will continue to be posted.