CMS Announces Timeline for Round 2 of Competitive Bidding

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced today the timeline for Round 2 of competitive bidding, with registration set to begin on Dec. 5, and the bid window set to open on Jan. 30.
 
According to the release from CMS, the 60-day bid window for Round 2 and the National Mail-Order Competition for Diabetic Supplies opens on Jan. 30 and closes on March 30.
 
Other important dates include:

• Dec. 22. “Authorized officials” are strongly encouraged to register no later than this.
• Jan. 12. “Backup authorized” officials are strongly encouraged to register no later than this.
• Feb. 9. Registration closes.
• Feb. 28. Document review date for bidders to submit financial documents.

The release came at the CMS competitive bidding program, Palmetto GBA, posted 21 new documents on its website Wednesday that provide critical information for Round 2 of the program.
 
The documents provide information on grandfathering, financial documentation, exemptions, enteral nutrition, capacity and expansion plans, contract supplier obligations, national mail-order competition for diabetic supplies, eligibility requirements, specialty suppliers, subcontracting and other details.

Round 1 of competitive bidding encompassed 9 metropolitan areas, and Round 2 expands the programs into another 91 metropolitan areas.
 
The documents are available at: http://www.dmecompetitivebid.com/palmetto/cbic.nsf/What’s%20New?openview.
 
The announcement of the timeline is available at www.dmecompetitivebid.com.