CMS Forges Ahead with Rollout of Round One

BALTIMORE–While the industry’s efforts to stop competitive
bidding continue to pick up steam, so does CMS’ implementation of
round one, set to take effect July 1.

According to a Friday afternoon update from the American
Association for Homecare, CMS officials sang the praises of the
bidding program in a conference call last week aimed at beneficiary
groups.

Acting CMS Administrator Kerry Weems and Laurence Wilson,
director of the agency’s Chronic Care Policy Group, told listeners
that savings in beneficiary copays and reduced costs to Medicare
would result from the bidding program, and that its accreditation
requirement would ensure beneficiaries receive quality equipment
and services.

David Sayen, regional administrator for Region IX, discussed
changes that will take place on July 1, including what
beneficiaries should expect from their home care providers.

The agency plans to send a mailing to beneficiaries in the 10
round one bidding areas with a list of contract suppliers and a
program brochure. CMS has set up a mailbox for beneficiaries to
email questions about transition problems through its Web site, and
will schedule two conference calls in the first and third weeks of
July to hear from beneficiaries about transition and access
issues.

In a congressional hearing on competitive bidding Tuesday, Weems
announced CMS would release the names of the round one contract
winners this week and said the schedule for round two will be
released later in May. The agency will hold a national provider
training call on the bidding program tomorrow (Tuesday, May
13).

To participate, you must register for the call at www2.eventsvc.com/palmettogba/051308.
Registration will close at 12:30 p.m. ET today.