Maryland licensing problems for Round 2 get CMS attention

Licensing problems associated with Round 2 of the Competitive Bidding Program have made their way on to the CMS radar screen, according to a report last week from the National Association of Independent Medical Equipment Suppliers (NAIMES).

At issue are delays HME providers are experiencing in obtaining a “Residential Service License” from the state of Maryland so they can submit bids in two competitive bidding areas—one that covers parts of the District of Columbia, Virginia and Maryland, and another that covers parts of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland. Providers must have licenses in all states in a competitive bidding area to submit bids.Reportedly, the wait time for the Maryland DME license is six to nine months, far beyond deadlines for the Competitive Bidding Program. NAIMES reports that about 1,000 HME providers could be affected by the problem.

Recently, the Jersey Association of Medical Equipment Services convinced Rep. Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., D-N.J., and Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J., to set up a call with CMS. Now, CMS is having providers submit individual reports on the problem through the National Supplier Clearinghouse, where the information will be put into the records of providers.