Cara Bachenheimer
AttorneyBrown & FortunatoCara C. Bachenheimer is an attorney with Brown & Fortunato where she heads up the firm’s Government Affairs Practice. Cara’s practice focuses on federal lobbying activities with Congress, the Administration and the federal regulatory agencies, such as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Ms. Bachenheimer has been closely involved with the home medical equipment industry for 30 years, working in Washington, D.C. as well as on a grassroots basis across the country. In 2014, Cara was named Homecare Champion by the American Association for Homecare.
CB01: Overview of the Final Rule Competitive Bidding Changes
The Medicare Competitive Bidding program (“CBP”) was a disaster when it was rolled out years ago. And then it went dormant for several years. Now it i…The Medicare Competitive Bidding program (“CBP”) was a disaster when it was rolled out years ago. And then it went dormant for several years. Now it is back. In late 2025, CMS brought the CBP back to life with a final rule that makes negative changes…The Medicare Competitive Bidding program (“CBP”) was a disaster when it was rolled out years ago. And then it went dormant for several years. Now it is back. In late 2025, CMS brought the CBP back to life with a final rule that makes negative changes to an already flawed program. This new version appears to be solely designed to (i) reduce Medicare payment amounts and (ii) reduce the number of suppliers that can serve Medicare beneficiaries. CMS is changing the next round of bidding to include product categories never previously included, only move forward in the next round with national “remote item delivery” items, and change many other aspects of the program. This program will (i) provide the information DME suppliers need to know about the restructured program, (ii) discuss the more challenging aspects of the program, (iii) suggest steps suppliers should take to navigate the CBP, and (iv) predict the future of the CB program. Learning Objectives: Understanding requirements as set forth in the Final Rule Published November 2025, including: Lead item bidding Contract awards Bid ceiling Capacity and demand CGM/Insulin Pumps Medical supplies inclusion RID CBPsShow MoreClick the title to see all details
CB02: Understanding the Bid Process
This session will walk attendees through the detailed requirements for submitting a bid in the next round of the Medicare competitive bidding program …This session will walk attendees through the detailed requirements for submitting a bid in the next round of the Medicare competitive bidding program (CBP). What are the requirements for submitting a bid, including what are bid bonds and how are they…This session will walk attendees through the detailed requirements for submitting a bid in the next round of the Medicare competitive bidding program (CBP). What are the requirements for submitting a bid, including what are bid bonds and how are they different than the current surety bonds? What financial documents will be required and how are they scored when determining whether a supplier is qualified to bid? How do commonly owned companies submit bids? How will CMS evaluate bids and select contract suppliers? Learning Objectives: Requirements that suppliers need to know and understand to participate in the next Medicare CBP, including: Basic prerequisites Bid bonds Financial document requirements Licensure requirements The bid evaluation process The contract selection processShow MoreClick the title to see all details
CB05: Understanding the Bid Process
This session will walk attendees through the detailed requirements for submitting a bid in the next round of the Medicare competitive bidding program …This session will walk attendees through the detailed requirements for submitting a bid in the next round of the Medicare competitive bidding program (CBP). What are the requirements for submitting a bid, including what are bid bonds and how are they…This session will walk attendees through the detailed requirements for submitting a bid in the next round of the Medicare competitive bidding program (CBP). What are the requirements for submitting a bid, including what are bid bonds and how are they different than the current surety bonds? What financial documents will be required and how are they scored when determining whether a supplier is qualified to bid? How do commonly owned companies submit bids? How will CMS evaluate bids and select contract suppliers? Learning Objectives: Requirements that suppliers need to know and understand to participate in the next Medicare CBP, including: Basic prerequisites Bid bonds Financial document requirements Licensure requirements The bid evaluation process The contract selection processShow MoreClick the title to see all details
CB06: Overview of the Final Rule Competitive Bidding Changes
The Medicare Competitive Bidding program (“CBP”) was a disaster when it was rolled out years ago. And then it went dormant for several years. Now it i…The Medicare Competitive Bidding program (“CBP”) was a disaster when it was rolled out years ago. And then it went dormant for several years. Now it is back. In late 2025, CMS brought the CBP back to life with a final rule that makes negative changes…The Medicare Competitive Bidding program (“CBP”) was a disaster when it was rolled out years ago. And then it went dormant for several years. Now it is back. In late 2025, CMS brought the CBP back to life with a final rule that makes negative changes to an already flawed program. This new version appears to be solely designed to (i) reduce Medicare payment amounts and (ii) reduce the number of suppliers that can serve Medicare beneficiaries. CMS is changing the next round of bidding to include product categories never previously included, only move forward in the next round with national “remote item delivery” items, and change many other aspects of the program. This program will (i) provide the information DME suppliers need to know about the restructured program, (ii) discuss the more challenging aspects of the program, (iii) suggest steps suppliers should take to navigate the CBP, and (iv) predict the future of the CB program. Learning Objectives: Understanding requirements as set forth in the Final Rule Published November 2025, including: Lead item bidding Contract awards Bid ceiling Capacity and demand CGM/Insulin Pumps Medical supplies inclusion RID CBPsShow MoreClick the title to see all details
LEG05: Update on National Regulatory Issues and Legislative Priorities
2026 will prove to be a challenging year for DMEPOS suppliers and other stakeholders. This program will address the current CMS regulations and polic…2026 will prove to be a challenging year for DMEPOS suppliers and other stakeholders. This program will address the current CMS regulations and policy changes as well as Congressional issues that will impact the DMEPOS industry. Equally important. …2026 will prove to be a challenging year for DMEPOS suppliers and other stakeholders. This program will address the current CMS regulations and policy changes as well as Congressional issues that will impact the DMEPOS industry. Equally important. the program will set out steps that DMEPOS suppliers should take to prepare for the anticipated regulatory and legislative changes.Show MoreClick the title to see all details