The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has taken
its first steps toward reinstating the competitive bidding program
for durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies
(DMEPOS). On January 15, the agency issued an interim regulation
that incorporates changes required by the Medicare Improvements for
Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (MIPPA), which delayed the
implementation of the program for 18 months after its scheduled
start date in July 2008. The new regulation accompanies the
formation of the program’s new federal oversight committee, the
17-member Program Advisory and Oversight Committee (PAOC).
