CMS’s Seema Verma: Current bid structure ‘not sustainable’

BREAKING NEWS: CMS’ Seema Verma states the “current structure” for the long-standing competitive bidding program is “not sustainable” and “doesn’t produce the best prices for patients and doesn’t drive optimal performance by contractors…” CMS wants to “modernize” the competitive bidding program for DMEPOS by “instituting market-oriented reforms” – a process that could take “from 18 to 24 months” Verma stated. The current reimbursement rates in bid areas, non-bid areas and rural and non-contiguous areas will be extended until the new contracts are awarded. Beginning “January 1, 2019, and until new contracts are awarded, beneficiaries may receive DMEPOS items from any Medicare-enrolled supplier…” meaning “any willing provider” can provide DME if it is enrolled with Medicare.
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