CMS PROPOSED RULE OPENS COMPETITIVE BIDDING PROCESS

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has proposed a rule to lower Medicare costs for certain durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics and supplies (DMEPOS) by allowing competitive bidding among manufacturers, the agency announced April 24.

The proposal would be implemented through a new competitive acquisition program to reduce beneficiary out-of-pocket expenses and save Medicare money while ensuring access to quality DMEPOS items and services, the CMS said. The agency also proposed changes in reimbursement rates for hospital inpatient procedures April 12.

"We intend to implement these DME competitive reforms to get savings for beneficiaries and taxpayers, while maintaining and improving quality," said CMS Administrator Mark McClellan. "This is another way in which Medicare is now using competition to bring lower-cost, up-to-date care to our beneficiaries." ()a href="http://www.fdanews.com/ddl/33_18/" target=_blank>