CMS Announces Deadlines for Competitive Bidding Program

WASHINGTON—The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced the timeline for the new round of competitive bidding for durable medical equipment, with bidder registration beginning Dec. 1, 2026, and the bid window opening Jan. 5, 2027.

The American Association for Homecare said the bidder registration and bid window was originally scheduled for late fall 2026. According to CMS, the new dates are intended to give bidders additional time to prepare for Round 2028 of the DME, Prosthetics, Orthotics an Supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding Program.

The dates announced are:

• December 1, 2026: Bidding registration for Round 2028 opens
• January 5, 2027: Bid window opens
• February 1, 2027: Bidding registration for Round 2028 closes
• February 8, 2027: Covered Document Review Date
• March 10, 2027: Bid window closes

CMS also published new and updated fact sheets, instructions for the Request for Bids and an updated timeline on the Competitive Bidding Implementation Contractor website. CMS urged bidders to review all these materials so they have the guidance needed to submit complete bids by the close of the bid window.