New Tip Sheet for Referral Agents under the DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program
Medicare providers in the 10 Competitive Bidding Areas (CBAs) who order or refer Medicare beneficiaries for Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) can now access a tip sheet that describes the DMEPOS Competitive Bidding program and outlines the important role you will play as someone who may assist beneficiaries residing in or traveling to competitive bidding areas (CBAs) take the proper actions before July 1, 2008. Many beneficiaries will be required to transition to a contract supplier. For some items, however, Medicare beneficiaries can choose to continue their relationship with current suppliers.
Examples:
1. Medicare patients in the 10 CBAs who use oxygen will need to take action to either transition to a new contract supplier, or, in the case where their current oxygen supplier elects to become a grandfathered supplier, continue services with their current non-contract supplier.
2. Medicare patients in the 10 CBAs who use enteral nutrients, supplies, and equipment must transition to a contract supplier as of July 1, 2008. If they reside in a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF)/Nursing Facility (NF) that is not a contract supplier, the SNF/NF will have to make new arrangements with a contract supplier to furnish items to their residents. If they live at home, the beneficiary must make new arrangements with a contract supplier.
The “Referral Agent” tip sheet can be found on the CMS dedicated Web site at, http://www.cms.hhs.gov/DMEPOSCompetitiveBid. Just click on the Provider Educational Products and Resources tab and scroll down to the “Downloads” section.
New Tip Sheet for Grandfathered Suppliers under the DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program
Non-contract suppliers in the 10 Competitive Bidding Areas (CBAs) can now access a tip sheet that describes the actions Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) suppliers need to take to become a grandfathered supplier.
This tip sheet includes a link to a sample beneficiary notice form that can be used to meet the recommended 30-day advance notification to beneficiaries regarding a suppliers decision to become (or not become) a grandfathered supplier. Supplier notice to Medicare beneficiaries should occur by June 1, 2008 to give adequate time should the beneficiary elect or need to transition to a contract supplier.
The tip sheet can be found on the CMS dedicated Web site at, http://www.cms.hhs.gov/DMEPOSCompetitiveBid. Just click on the Provider Educational Products and Resources tab and scroll down to the “Downloads” section.