CMS delays start of competitive bidding Round 2021

Birmingham, Ala. (May 7, 2019) – The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced Tuesday that it will open the window for Round 2021 of its competitive bidding program on July 16, 2019.

The window was scheduled to open in June, but CMS made the change “in an effort to provide bidders with additional time to prepare,” it said on its website devoted to the bid process, which is operated by Palmetto GBA, the bidding implantation contractor.

“CMS encourages bidders to take advantage of this additional time to prepare by utilizing the comprehensive bidder education materials,” the agency wrote.

CMS also announced other deadlines for the Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding System, including that registration should open June 10 and close August 16. The bid window closes September 18. All dates are targets and subject to change, CMS said.

The agency will hold its first of three webcasts, this one on lead item pricing and bid surety bond requirements, on May 14 at 4 p.m. Eastern. See the full list of May webcasts here.

Also on Tuesday, CMS released a 55-page document with instructions for bidding and 18 new fact sheets.