WASHINGTON, D.C. – CMS recently ended the six-month moratorium on DMEPOS Provider Enrollment, a moratorium enacted to keep criminals from posing as legitimate suppliers to defraud Medicare. AAHomecare met with several White House officials, CMS Administrator Dr. Oz, CMS Deputy Administrator Kim Brandt, and other Administration officials to outline the challenges providers face preparing for a national bidding program under a moratorium.
In its announcement, CMS encouraged suppliers to complete enrollment applications as soon as possible for the DMEPOS Round 2028 CBP. The same day, the Agency provided new fact sheets on licensure and bidder eligibility details as well as FAQ documents.
AAHomecare continues to advocate that the bidding program is government consolidation that will devastate the safety net that is homecare. Earlier this month, CMS released the expected number of Round 2028 contract awards, bringing the total contracts to five for urological supplies and six for ostomy. This announcement comes as end-user advocacy groups, including the United Ostomy Association of America and Spina Bifida Association, continue to raise the alarm over access issues.
We’re working to delay the bidding program through legislation, regulatory opportunities, grassroots advocacy, partnership with end-user advocacy organizations, and by highlighting the devastating effects of the program with data and media strategy.
We encourage members to continue strong outreach – phone calls, emails, office visits – with your legislators focused on the effects that including RID products in Round 2028 CBP will have on the viability of the industry and access for the patients you serve.
The Narrow Window
The Association is working every angle in a tight window, and member voices matter now more than after the window closes. The legislation above is only the first step in protecting the industry. If these safeguards are not secured now, it opens the door for CMS to enact further policies that strain the financial health of the industry. Act now to protect the future of HME!