WASHINGTON, DC – In recognition of the opening of the DMEPOS competitive bidding program bid window, leading industry trade organizations are showcasing new educational resources to help potential bidders navigate recent changes made to the program for the 2019 bid year.
The new tools are available via a comprehensive website and aim to help suppliers and prospective bidders understand major changes made to the program by compiling publicly available information into one place in an easily digestible format.
The 60-day bidding window will remain open until September 18, 2019. “Given the magnitude of these changes, it is especially important all stakeholders be prepared to bid responsibly this year,” said Tom Ryan, president and CEO of the American Association for Homecare. “That’s why we’re proud to collaborate with leading industry experts to launch this nation-wide education campaign with free and easy-to-understand tools to help potential bidders stay informed.”
Visitors to the website will be able to take advantage of several helpful tools such as an interactive bid calculator for each of the 16 product categories available for bidding. The calculator is intended to help providers understand the new “lead item pricing” methodology, and how a bid for the lead item impacts the rest of the items in the product category. A step-by-step tutorial video is also available to help bidders use and understand the calculator.
Additionally, visitors will have access to a series of video tutorials and webinar recordings overviewing this year’s changes. These short videos explain in detail topics such as lead item pricing, the maximum winning bid and higher bid ceiling, and the new bid surety bond requirements.
The website, along with the bid calculator, webinars, and tutorial videos can be accessed at: dmecbpeducation.com
While these tools aim to educate prospective bidders, they are not intended – nor should be construed to be – legal advice. Bidders are responsible for their bids and should consult their own counsel for legal advice or the CBIC.
Bid Smart 2019 Summit
On Aug 27, industry leaders will gather in Dallas, Texas for an in-person training session about the competitive bidding program. During the day-long workshop, experts will discuss in detail the brand-new bid process — including lead item bidding and pricing, higher bid ceilings, clearing bid pricing, bid surety bonds, and how the bid rates will establish rates in non-competitive bidding areas (non-CBAs).
Attendees are also invited to take part in an added special session to walk through the information and procedures to use the “Bid Preparation Worksheet and Utilization Reports,” complete Forms A and B, and upload the bidder documents that must now be uploaded in Connexion, the program’s secure portal.
Featured speakers include:
- Cara Bachenheimer, Government Affairs Practice, Brown & Fortunato
- Kim Brummett, Vice President Regulatory Affairs, American Association for Homecare
- Mark J. Higley, Vice President Regulatory Affairs, VGM Group, Inc.
To learn more about the summit and to register, CLICK HERE.