According to HME News, the Centers for Medicare &
Medicaid Services (CMS) is expected by December 19 to publish in
the Federal Register an interim final rule outlining its plans for
the national competitive bidding program for durable medical
equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS). The rule,
titled “Limited Changes to the Competitive Acquisition of Durable
Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics and Supplies,” is
currently in final clearance with the Office of Management and
Budget. Publishing it by December 19 would allow CMS to enact the
rule before a new administration takes office. Seth Johnson, vice
president of government affairs for Pride Mobility Products,
Exeter, Pennsylvania, was quoted as saying, “I’m not surprised at
all that they’re going to make another run at seeing competitive
bidding move forward sooner rather than later…. This just shows,
again, the Bush administration’s strong support for the
program.”
