The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced today that it has awarded contracts for four specialty contractors who will be responsible for handling the administration of Medicare claims from suppliers of durable medical equipment, prosthetics, and orthotics. These new contracts represent a first step in CMS’ initiatives designed to improve service to beneficiaries and providers, support the delivery of coordinated and quality care, and provide greater administrative efficiency and effectiveness for fee-for-service Medicare.
The new Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Administrative Contractors (DME MACs), which were selected through a competitive bidding process, will replace the current Durable Medical Equipment Regional Carriers (DMERCs). Each DME MAC contract is being awarded in January 2006 and will include a base period of 1 year and four 1-year options. The DME MACs will immediately begin transition activities and will assume full responsibilities for the claims processing work currently performed by the DMERCs on July 1, 2006.
You can access the press release as well as more information regarding individual jurisdictions and contractors on the Medicare Contracting Reform website using the relevant links below. |
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