Evaluation of National DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program

Section 302(b) of The Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 (Public Law 108-173) (MMA) required that in 2007, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) begin a program of competitive bidding for durable medical equipment (DME), supplies, certain orthotics, and enteral nutrients and related equipment and supplies in 10 Competitive Acquisition Areas (CAAs). Subsequently, the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 temporarily delayed and modified the competitive bidding program until 2009. This project's purpose is to provide information for the law's mandated Report to Congress on access to and quality of DME, beneficiary satisfaction with DME items and services, program expenditures, and impacts on beneficiary cost-sharing. Data collection activities include beneficiary surveys, focus groups with suppliers and referral agents, and key informant discussions with beneficiary groups or advocates, CMS officials or CMS' bidding contract managers, referral agents and suppliers. Analysis of administrative data will supplement the primary data sources.