Palmetto GBA Wins Competitive Bidding Contract

BALTIMORE — CMS has selected Columbia, S.C.-based Palmetto
GBA to help administer its DME competitive bidding program
as it begins in 10 yet-to-be-named cities next year.

As a DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Implementation Contractor,
Palmetto will prepare the request for bids, perform bid
evaluations, select qualified suppliers and set payments for all
competitive bidding areas. Palmetto, which recently lost its bid to
continue as the Region C DME contractor, also will assist CMS and
its contractors in monitoring program effectiveness, access and
quality. According to the agency, Palmetto is additionally charged
with overseeing an education program for beneficiaries, suppliers
and referral agents.

“Awarding this contract is a key step in timely implementation
of the Medicare DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program, which will
reduce beneficiary out-of-pocket expenses and save the Medicare
program money while ensuring beneficiary access to quality DMEPOS
items and services,” according to an announcement published on CMS’
Web site Friday afternoon.

Palmetto, the current Region C DMERC, also operates the National
Supplier Clearinghouse and acts as the Statistical Analysis Durable
Medical Equipment Regional Contractor. Cigna Government Services
will take over Medicare DME claims administration for Region C in
April (see HomeCare Monday, Oct. 9).

CMS has the option of selecting two additional Competitive
Bidding Implementation Contractors when it expands the competitive
bidding areas in the future.