The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has delayed the effective date for the Interim Final Rule with Comment Period that implements certain provisions of the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (MIPPA) for the Round 1 Rebid of the Medicare Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics and Supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Acquisition Program. The delay will allow department officials the opportunity for further review of the issues of law and policy raised by the rule. However, CMS is required to start the Round 1 rebid competition in 2009.
The final rule implements certain Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (MIPPA) provisions that delay implementation of Round 1 of the competitive bidding program, and require CMS to conduct a second Round 1 competition in 2009. The final rule also mandates certain changes for the Round 1 rebid and subsequent rounds of the program. This includes the development of a process for providing feedback to suppliers regarding missing financial documentation and the requirement that contractors disclose to CMS information regarding subcontracting relationships.
The original comment period for the public is still in effect until March 17, 2009.
The complete rule can be found online.
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