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.