Dynamic List Information
Dynamic List Data
Title
Evaluation of National DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program
Project Officer(s)
Ann Meadow
Start Date
End Date
Award
Task Order (RADSTO)
Description
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.
Funding
$2,331,309.00
Principal Investigator(s)
Andrea Hassoi
Project Number
500-00-0032/0014
Status
In 2006, survey questionnaires and analysis plans were developed. In 2007, baseline beneficiary and supplier survey work in three sites, as well as site visits, were completed. Also in 2007, a report on early experience under the accreditation program was prepared. In 2008, the contractor delivered a preliminary report on results of site visits they conducted. After a program delay mandated by MIPPA, the contractor collected data to establish a new baseline in mid-2010, including both beneficiary surveys and qualitative information from site visits and interviews. Also, after CMS announced the competitive bidding payment amounts in the first 9 metropolitan areas, the contractor analyzed 2009 claims to estimate program savings for the first year of the program, CY2011. The results of all research activities undertaken through Fall 2010 are included in the forthcoming Report to Congress, scheduled for release in mid-2011.
Awardee Address
55 Wheeler St.
Cambridge, MA 02138
United States
Awardee Name
Abt Associates, Inc.