Overview of the Medicare Competitive Bidding for Prescribers
Overview: Medicare Competitive Bidding
Medicare has changed the way it purchases home medical equipment (DME / HME). Under the new program Medicare will contract with only certain medical equipment suppliers in your area*. Beginning July 1, 2013 orders for the most commonly prescribed homecare products** must be sent to companies who have been awarded a contract under this program.
Background
In 2003 a law was passed that required Medicare to solicit bids from companies that provide home medical equipment. The purpose was to change the way the reimbursement for each item is calculated. Currently, the reimbursement for each item is arrived at by a fee schedule that is approved by Congress. The goals of the new system are to have the market set the pricing through a bidding program, and reduce costs to the Medicare program.
The result of the program is that bid winners are selected and offered contracts. Those companies who are awarded contracts are the only providers who can fill orders for Medicare beneficiaries (after 7/1/13).
Summary - What do I need to know?
