Your Guide To Medicare’s Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, & Supplies DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program
The Competitive Bidding Program by Medicare was launched to improve the overall value of Medicare and the money of the taxpayers used in the facilities. The program sets prices through competition, ensuring that the patients' items are of quality and licensed. It also allows only accredited suppliers to bid who must meet the standards set by Medicare. The overall process helps in reducing fraud and abuse of the Medicare system. What Is DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program? Congress mandated the DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program in 2003 through Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act (MMA) . The Act required Medicare to replace its then methodology of fee schedule payment for selected Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) items with a competitive bidding process. The program oversaw that suppliers in a competitive bidding area (CBA) compete with each other by submitting bids on a selection of products. The program eval...