CMS has begun a pre-bidding awareness program in connection with its plans to recompete the supplier contracts awarded in Round 2 of the Medicare Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding Program.  Although the current DMEPOS supplier contracts awarded in Round 2 do not expire until June 30, 2016, CMS is encouraging suppliers to prepare now for the Round 2 recompete process, which will begin in Winter 2015.  During the Round 2 recompete, CMS will also conduct the national mail-order recompete for diabetic testing supplies. 

Among the suggested preparations for the Round 2 recompete, CMS recommends that suppliers (i) ensure that their enrollment information is up-to-date with both the National Supplier Clearinghouse and in the Provider Enrollment, Chain and Ownership System; (ii) have all necessary state licensure; and (iii) maintain accreditation by a CMS approved accrediting organization, in each case for each supplier location and for the items provided at such locations. 

In the fall of this year, CMS will announce the recompete bidding schedule and begin education programs on the process.  During this time, bidders also may obtain user IDs and passwords to use in the process.  CMS will conduct the Round 2 recompete in the same geographic areas that were included in the Round 2 process, but as a result of certain OMB updates to the Round 2 metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs), there are now 90 MSAs instead of the original 91.  CMS also noted that certain ZIP codes have changed since Round 2. 

Further information on the updated zip codes and Round 2 areas can be found here.  More information on the Round 2 recompete process, including the Round 2 recompete product categories may be found here. 

Reporter(s), Christina A. Gonzalez, Houston, + 1 713 276 7340, cagonzalez@kslaw.com