The information in this booklet describes the Medicare Program at the time this booklet was printed. Changes may occur after printing. Visit Medicare.gov, or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to get the most current information. TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048.

“Your Guide to Medicare’s Durable Medical Equipment Prosthetics, Orthotics, & Supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding Program” isn’t a legal document. Official Medicare Program legal guidance is contained in the relevant statutes, regulations, and rulings.

Table of Contents

Section 1: Introduction

What's the Competitive Bidding Program?

Using a Medicare contract or grandfathered supplier

Am I affected if I’m in a Medicare Advantage Plan?

Section 2: Items & areas

Are you affected by this program?

Competitive Bidding Areas (CBAs) by State

Section 3: What Medicare will pay

Do I have to get my medical equipment and/or supplies from a Medicare contract supplier?

Do I have to change suppliers if I was renting equipment from a supplier that doesn’t have a new contract with Medicare?

Where can I find DMEPOS suppliers I can use in my area?

What happens if my supplier doesn’t have a new contract and decides NOT to become a grandfathered supplier?

What if I don’t hear from my supplier?

I have Medicare and Medicaid. Will Medicaid cover an item I get from a non-contract supplier if Medicare doesn’t cover it?

Do I have to change doctors?

What if I need a specific brand or mode of delivery of a competitively bid item or service?

What if I travel away from home and need to get medical equipment or supplies?

Section 4: Cost

Will my costs change?

Do I still have to pay my deductible?

How does Medicare pay for equipment or supplies if I have other insurance?

What if I get my medical equipment or supplies from a supplier who isn’t a Medicare contract supplier?

Section 5: Item-specific information

What do I need to know if I buy diabetes supplies, like test strips or lancets?

What do I need to know if I use enteral nutrients, supplies, and equipment?

What do I need to know if I use a walker?

What do I need to know if I use oxygen, oxygen equipment, and supplies?

What do I need to know if I rent

What do I need to know if I need to repair and replace equipment I own?

Where can I get more information about the Competitive Bidding Program?

Section 6: Rights & protections

What if I have a complaint?

How can Medicare contract suppliers advertise?

What other rules must Medicare contract suppliers follow?

Can a Medicare contract supplier work with other suppliers to get what I need?

Who do I contact if I don’t think a supplier is following these rules?

SECTION 1

Introduction

What's the Competitive Bidding Program?

Medicare’s Competitive Bidding Program for durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS):

•Changes the amount Medicare pays for certain DMEPOS items

•Determines who can supply these items to you

Under this program, suppliers submit bids to provide certain medical equipment and supplies. Medicare uses these bids to set the amount it will pay for those equipment and supplies under the competitive bidding program. Qualified, accredited suppliers with winning bids are chosen as Medicare contract suppliers. The program:

•Helps you and Medicare save money

•Ensures that you have access to quality medical equipment, supplies, and services from suppliers you can trust

•Helps limit Medicare fraud and abuse

Using a Medicare contract or grandfathered supplier

It’s important to know if you’re affected by this program to make sure Medicare will help pay for your item and to avoid any disruption of service. If you have Original Medicare, live in one of the competitive bidding areas, and use equipment or supplies included under the program (or get the items while visiting a competitive bidding area), you generally must use Medicare contract suppliers if you want Medicare to help pay for the item. If you live in one of the competitive bidding areas and you’re renting oxygen equipment or certain other durable medical equipment (DME) at the time the program starts, you can continue renting these items from your current supplier if that supplier gets a new contract or decides to participate in the program as a “grandfathered” supplier. If you live in (or get these items while visiting) these areas and don’t use a Medicare contract or a grandfathered supplier, Medicare probably won’t pay for the item, and you may have to pay full price.

Am I affected if I’m in a Medicare Advantage Plan?

The competitive bidding program applies to Original Medicare only. If you’re in a Medicare Advantage Plan (like an HMO or PPO), your plan will notify you if your supplier is changing. If you’re not sure, contact your plan.

SECTION 2

Items & areas

Are you affected by this program?

You’re affected by the DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program if both of these apply:

•You get a competitive bid item.

•You live in (or get a competitive bid item while visiting) a ZIP code included in a competitive bidding area (CBA).

Competitively bid items and a list of CBAs by state are found below. To check if an item you use is included in the program, visit Medicare.gov/supplier, or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.

If you have diabetes testing supplies delivered to your home by mail, you’re affected by the DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program. The program includes a national mail-order competition for diabetes test strips that includes all parts of the U.S., including the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa.

Competitively Bid Items:

•Commode chairs

•Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices and related supplies and accessories

•Diabetes test strips (mail-order only)*

•Enteral nutrients, equipment, and supplies

•Hospital beds and related accessories

•Nebulizers and related supplies

•Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) pumps and related supplies and accessories

•Oxygen, oxygen equipment, and supplies

•Patient lifts

•Respiratory assist devices (RADs) and related supplies and accessories

•Scooters and related accessories

•Seat lifts

•Support surfaces (group 1 & 2)

•Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) devices and supplies

•Walkers

•Wheelchairs (standard power or manual) and related accessories

* Includes all parts of the U.S., including the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa. Doesn't include glucose meters.

Competitive Bidding Areas (CBAs) by State

AL

Birmingham-Hoover

AR

Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway

AZ

Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale

Tucson

CA

Bakersfield

Fresno

Los Angeles County

Orange County

Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura

Riverside-San Bernadino-Ontario

Sacramento–Roseville–Arden-Arcade

San Diego-Carlsbad

San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward

San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara

Stockton-Lodi

Visalia-Porterville

CO

Colorado Springs

Denver-Aurora-Lakewood

CT

Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk

Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford

New Haven-Milford

DC

Washington

DE

Wilmington

FL

Cape Coral-Fort Myers

Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach

Jacksonville

Lakeland-Winter Haven

Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach

North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton

Ocala

Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford

Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville

Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater

GA

Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell

Augusta-Richmond County

Catoosa, Dade & Walker Counties

HI

Honolulu

IA

Council Bluffs

ID

Boise City

IL

Aurora-Elgin-Joliet

Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights

East St. Louis

Lake & McHenry Counties

IN

Dearborn, Franklin, Ohio & Union Counties

Gary

Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson

Jeffersonville-New Albany

KS

Kansas City-Overland Park-Ottawa

Wichita

KY

Covington-Florence-Newport

Louisville-Jefferson County

LA

Baton Rouge

New Orleans-Metairie

MA

Boston-Cambridge-Quincy

Bristol County

Springfield

Worcester

MD

Baltimore-Columbia-Towson

Calvert, Charles & Prince George's Counties

Silver Spring-Rockville-Bethesda

MI

Detroit-Warren-Dearborn

Flint

Grand Rapids-Wyoming

MN

Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington

MO

Kansas City

St. Louis

MS

Jackson

South Haven-Olive Branch

NC

Asheville

Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia

Greensboro-High Point

Raleigh

NE

Omaha

NH

Rockingham & Strafford Counties

NJ

Camden

Elizabeth-Lakewood-New Brunswick

Jersey City-Newark

NM

Albuquerque

NV

Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise

NY

Albany-Schenectady-Troy

Bronx-Manhattan

Buffalo-Cheektowaga-Niagara Falls

Nassau, Kings, Queens & Richmond Counties

Port Chester-White Plains-Yonkers

Poughkeepsie-Newburgh-Middletown

Rochester

Suffolk County

Syracuse

OH

Akron

Cincinnati

Cleveland-Elyria

Columbus

Dayton

Toledo

Youngstown–Warren–Boardman

OK

Oklahoma City

Tulsa

OR

Portland-Hillsboro-Beaverton

PA

Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton

Mercer County

Philadelphia

Pittsburgh

Scranton–Wilkes-Barre–Hazleton

RI

Providence

SC

Aiken & Edgefield Counties

Charleston-North Charleston

Chester, Lancaster & York Counties

Columbia

Greenville-Anderson-Mauldin

TN

Chattanooga

Knoxville

Memphis

Nashville–Davidson–Murfreesboro–Franklin

TX

Austin-Round Rock

Beaumont-Port Arthur

Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington

El Paso

Houston–The Woodlands–Sugar Land

McAllen–Edinburg–Mission

San Antonio-New Braunfels

UT

Salt Lake City

VA

Arlington-Alexandria-Reston

Richmond

Virginia Beach–Norfolk–Newport News

WA

Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue

Vancouver

WI

Kenosha County

Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis

Pierce & St. Croix Counties

WV

Huntington

SECTION 3

What Medicare will pay

Do I have to get my medical equipment and/or supplies from a Medicare contract supplier?

If your doctor or treating health care provider orders equipment or supplies that are included in the competitive bidding program where you live or visit, you generally must get your equipment or supplies from a Medicare contract supplier for Medicare to pay for the item. However, in certain cases, your doctor or treating health care provider can sometimes supply a walker, or folding manual wheelchair:

•When you’re getting other medical care even if he or she isn’t a Medicare contract supplier.

•If you’re hospitalized and need one while you’re admitted or on the day you’re discharged from the hospital.

You may also be able to continue to rent some types of medical equipment from your current supplier, if that supplier chooses to be a “grandfathered” supplier. In these situations, Medicare will still help you pay for these items.

Do I have to change suppliers if I was renting equipment from a supplier that doesn’t have a new contract with Medicare?

If you live in one of the competitive bidding areas and you're renting oxygen equipment or certain other durable medical equipment (DME) at the time the program starts (like when contracts for a given round of bidding take effect), and your supplier doesn't get a new contract, you may still be able to stay with that supplier if they decide to be a grandfathered supplier. This means a supplier may continue to rent equipment to you if you were renting the equipment when the program started. This rule applies only to oxygen and oxygen equipment, and rented DME. You may continue using the grandfathered supplier until the rental period for your equipment ends. If you start renting additional equipment from a grandfathered supplier after the program starts, Medicare won’t pay for the new equipment. If you were renting equipment that’s eligible for grandfathering, your supplier is required to let you know in writing 30 business days before the program began whether it would or wouldn’t become a grandfathered supplier.

Once you own the equipment, you must get replacement supplies and accessories for the equipment from a contract supplier for Medicare to help you pay for these items.

If you already own your equipment, you’ll need to use a Medicare contract supplier for your replacement supplies and accessories, like masks used with the CPAP device.

Where can I find DMEPOS suppliers I can use in my area?

For a list of suppliers you can use in your area, go to Medicare.gov/supplier. You can also get this information by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). A customer service representative can help you find a supplier. TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.

What happens if my supplier doesn’t have a new contract and decides NOT to become a grandfathered supplier?

You need to decide whether to continue to rent from your current supplier and pay all the costs, or switch to a Medicare contract supplier. A supplier that doesn’t have a new contract and decides not to become a grandfathered supplier is required to notify you and pick up the item from your home after the program starts. Your supplier must notify you 3 times before it can pick up the item:

1. The supplier must send you a letter at least 30 business days before the program starts telling you that it will no longer provide rental items to you after a certain date. This letter will tell you the date that a Medicare contract supplier must start to provide you with the rented item.

2. Before the supplier can pick up your equipment, it must call you 10 days before picking up the item to make arrangements for pick up at an agreed upon time.

3. The supplier must call you again 2 business days before picking up the item.

A supplier that isn’t grandfathered can't pick up a medically necessary item(s) before the end of the last rental month for which the supplier is eligible to get a rental payment, even if the last day of the rental month occurs after the program starts. If you change to a Medicare contract supplier, your old supplier should work with the contract supplier so there isn’t a break in service. Keep the pickup slip or other documentation from the supplier that shows you no longer have the item.

Example:

If the anniversary date of the equipment rental is June 27 and the end date for the monthly rental period is July 26, the current supplier would pick up the old equipment no earlier than July 27, and the new contract supplier would deliver the new equipment on July 27.

What if I don’t hear from my supplier?

If you don’t hear from your supplier, you should contact them. You need to find out if it's a contract supplier or a grandfathered supplier. If your supplier isn't a contract supplier or a grandfathered supplier, you may need to find a Medicare contract supplier for Medicare to pay.

I have Medicare and Medicaid. Will Medicaid cover an item I get from a non-contract supplier if Medicare doesn’t cover it?

If you have Medicare and Medicaid and live in a competitive bidding area, you'll have to get supplies and equipment from a Medicare-contract supplier. Medicaid will pay the cost-sharing amounts (deductibles and coinsurance) for those services.

•If you’re a Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) only, Medicaid pays Medicare deductibles, coinsurance, and copayment amounts only. If Medicare denies payment, Medicaid won’t pay for the item.

•If you’re a Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) Plus, Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) Plus, or other Full Benefit Dual Eligible (FBDE) beneficiary, you'll still be able to get supplies and equipment that Medicare doesn’t cover, but your state Medicaid program does, from any Medicaid-participating provider.

Do I have to change doctors?

No. This program doesn’t affect which doctors you can use.

What if I need a specific brand or mode of delivery of a competitively bid item or service?

If you need a particular brand or mode of delivery of an item or service to avoid an adverse medical outcome, your doctor must prescribe the specific brand or mode of delivery in writing. Your doctor must document in your medical record why this specific brand or mode of delivery is needed to avoid an adverse medical outcome. In these situations, a Medicare contract supplier is required to:

•Give you the exact brand or mode of delivery of the item or service your doctor authorizes for you

•Help you find another contract supplier that offers that brand or mode of delivery

•Work with your doctor to find an appropriate alternative brand or mode of delivery and get a revised written prescription

What if I travel away from home and need to get medical equipment or supplies?

If you travel to an area included in the program, you must get any medical equipment or supplies included in the program from a Medicare contract supplier if you want Medicare to help you pay for them. However, if you travel to an area that isn't included in the program, you don't have to get the items from a contract supplier.

If you need mail-order diabetes testing supplies, you must get them from a mail-order contract supplier if you want Medicare to help you pay for them.

When you get medical equipment or supplies included in the program from a Medicare contract supplier, your out-of-pocket costs will be the same as when you're at your permanent home. You’ll still be responsible for paying the 20% coinsurance after meeting your yearly Part B deductible.

If you travel to…

Medicare will help you pay for supplies provided by…

An area included in the program*

A Medicare contract supplier located in the area you traveled to for items included in the program**

An area not included in the program

Any Medicare-approved supplier

*For a list of areas included in the program, see the "Competitive Bidding Area (CBAs) by State" chart here.

** If you don’t use a Medicare contract supplier, the supplier may ask you to sign an “Advance Beneficiary Notice” (ABN). This notice tells you that Medicare probably won’t pay for the item or service. The supplier may require you to pay for the full cost of the item.

SECTION 4

Cost

Will my costs change?

Yes. Competitively bid payment amounts are less than what Medicare pays in areas that aren’t competitive bidding areas. When Medicare pays less, you’ll pay less too.

It’s important to know that for any equipment or supplies that are included in the competitive bidding program, the Medicare contract supplier can’t charge you more than the 20% coinsurance and any unmet yearly deductible. If you think that you’re paying more coinsurance than the Medicare-approved amount, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.

Do I still have to pay my deductible?

Yes. You still have to pay your yearly Part B deductible whether or not you live in a competitive bidding area or the equipment or supplies your doctor orders are included in the program. Each year, you must pay the deductible before Medicare starts to pay its share. After you meet the deductible, Medicare pays 80% of the Medicare-approved amount for equipment, supplies, and services.

How does Medicare pay for equipment or supplies if I have other insurance?

If you have other insurance that pays before Medicare, it may require you to use a supplier that isn’t a contract supplier. In those cases, Medicare may make a secondary payment to that supplier. The supplier must meet Medicare enrollment standards and be eligible to get secondary payments from Medicare. Check with your insurance company, plan provider, or benefits administrator for more information.

What if I get my medical equipment or supplies from a supplier who isn’t a Medicare contract supplier?

If you live in one of the competitive bidding areas, get an item included in the program from a supplier who isn’t a Medicare contract supplier, and none of the exceptions found under Do I have to get my medical equipment and/or supplies from a Medicare contract supplier? apply, Medicare will most likely not pay for the item. In these situations, you may be asked to sign an “Advance Beneficiary Notice” (ABN). This notice tells you that Medicare probably won’t pay for the item or service, and that you may be responsible for paying the entire cost.

SECTION 5

Item-specific information

What do I need to know if I buy diabetes supplies, like test strips or lancets?

Medicare has implemented a national mail-order program for diabetes testing supplies. The national mail-order program includes the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U .S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa.

This program allows you to continue getting quality supplies while saving money. The term mail-order includes all home deliveries. You need to use a Medicare national mail-order contract supplier for Medicare to pay for your mail-order diabetes testing supplies that are delivered to your home. If you don’t want your diabetes testing supplies delivered to your home, you can go to any local store that's enrolled with Medicare and buy them there.

Medicare’s allowed payment amount is the same for mail-order and non-mail-order diabetes testing supplies. National mail-order contract suppliers can’t charge you more than any unmet deductible and 20% coinsurance. Local stores also can’t charge more than the deductible and 20% coinsurance if they accept assignment, which means they accept Medicare’s allowed amount as payment in full. Local stores that don’t accept Medicare assignment may charge more than 20% coinsurance and any unmet deductible. If you get your supplies from a local store, check with the store to find out what your copayment will be.

Here are some other points to remember:

•This program doesn’t require that you change your testing monitor. If you’re happy with your current monitor, look for a mail-order contract supplier or local store that can provide the supplies you need.

•If you switch suppliers, you might need to get a new prescription for testing supplies or arrange to have your current prescription transferred. Plan ahead before you run out of supplies.

•Contract suppliers can’t make you switch to another glucose monitor and testing supplies brand. Contract suppliers must provide the brand of testing supplies that works with your monitor. If the contract supplier doesn’t carry your brand of testing supplies, you can ask the contract supplier about other brands they offer. However, the supplier can’t start this conversation.

•Medicare has rules to protect you from uninvited supplier phone calls. If you believe you've been pressured to switch suppliers, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.

What do I need to know if I use enteral nutrients, supplies, and equipment?

•If you’re getting these supplies or equipment in a skilled nursing facility (SNF) or nursing facility, you don’t need to do anything. The facility will make sure that you get your Medicare-covered enteral nutrients, supplies, and equipment.

•If you permanently live in a competitive bidding area, you’ll need to get your enteral nutrients and supplies (feeding supplies) from a Medicare contract supplier for Medicare to pay. If your current supplier isn’t a contract supplier, you may need to change to a contract supplier for Medicare to help pay.

•Depending on how long you've been renting your enteral nutrition equipment (feeding pump), you might not need to get the equipment from a contract supplier.

–If you’ve been renting an enteral infusion pump on a continuous basis for at least 15 months, your supplier must continue to provide you with the pump as long as it's medically necessary, even if the supplier isn’t a contract supplier. If your current supplier isn’t a contract supplier, your supplier can’t pick up the pump from you because Medicare is still covering it.

–If you’ve been renting an enteral infusion pump for less than 15 months, and your current supplier isn’t a Medicare contract supplier under the program, then you’ll have to change suppliers for Medicare to pay. However, your current supplier isn’t allowed to pick up any equipment or supplies from you until the last day of the last rental month that began before the program started. Your current supplier and your Medicare contract supplier must work together and coordinate to make sure you have the equipment you need. For example, if you've paid for a rental pump with your current supplier through the end of December, they must continue to provide the equipment you need through December 31 and make sure they work with your new contract supplier so you don’t have any breaks in service.

What do I need to know if I use a walker?

•If you need a replacement walker, you may need to find a contract supplier for Medicare to help you pay for the item.

•If you’re renting these types of equipment when the program starts, you may be able to stay with your current supplier if your supplier gets a new contract or chooses to become a grandfathered supplier. Your supplier will let you know in writing 30 business days before the program starts whether it will or won’t become a grandfathered supplier. See here for more information.

•When you switch to a Medicare contract supplier, your current supplier and your new Medicare contract supplier must work together to make sure you have the equipment you need.

•You can use any Medicare-enrolled supplier (including a non-contract supplier) to make repairs to a walker or wheelchair that you currently own, including replacement parts needed for the repair. See here.

What do I need to know if I use oxygen, oxygen equipment, and supplies?

•If your current supplier is a Medicare contract supplier, you don’t have to do anything. You’ll continue to get your oxygen or oxygen equipment as usual, and Medicare will continue to help pay.

•If you’re renting these types of equipment from a non-contract supplier when the program starts, you may have the choice to stay with your current supplier if your supplier chooses to become a grandfathered supplier. Your supplier will let you know in writing 30 business days before the program starts whether it will or won’t become a grandfathered supplier. See here for more information.

•When you switch to a Medicare contract supplier, your current supplier and your new Medicare contract supplier must work together and coordinate to make sure you have the equipment you need and that you don't have any breaks in service.

Under current rules for oxygen, Medicare pays suppliers a monthly fee for providing all medically necessary oxygen and oxygen equipment, including accessories and supplies, like tubing or a mouthpiece. Assuming that you've met your yearly Part B deductible, Medicare pays 80% of the allowed amount, and you pay 20%. After 36 months of continuous use, Medicare stops making rental payments for the oxygen equipment, but, in almost all cases, you'll continue to get the oxygen equipment, accessories, and supplies from the same supplier with no rental charge until the end of the reasonable useful lifetime of the oxygen equipment (generally 5 years after the date that the equipment was delivered to you). If you've been renting your equipment for 27–35 months and you switch to a Medicare contract supplier, you may have to pay for renting the equipment for a few months longer than expected (from 1–9 months beyond the 36 month period) before your rental payments stop. This will result in additional months of coinsurance.

However, the amount you pay may be lower than before. Talk with your new supplier about how this affects you, or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) for more information. TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.

•If you've been renting your equipment for 36 months, you don’t need to do anything. Your current supplier must continue to provide your equipment at no additional rental charge until the equipment needs to be replaced because it has reached the end of its reasonable useful lifetime. When your equipment needs to be replaced because it’s too old, you’ll need to get replacement equipment from a contract supplier.

What do I need to know if I rent

•Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) devices

•respiratory assist devices (RADs)

•walkers

•standard power wheelchairs

•scooters

•hospital beds

•support surfaces (including certain mattresses and overlays)

•Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) devices

•commode chairs

•nebulizers

•patient lifts

•seat lifts

•negative pressure wound therapy pumps

First, you need to determine if you live in a ZIP code that's part of the DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program. To do this, visit Medicare.gov/supplier, or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.

If you don't live in a ZIP code that's part of the DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program, you can continue to rent your equipment from any enrolled DMEPOS supplier.

If you live in a competitive bidding area and are renting a competitively-bid item:

•If your current supplier is a Medicare contract supplier, you don’t have to do anything. You’ll continue to get your equipment as usual, and Medicare will continue to help pay.

•If you’re renting these types of equipment from a non-contract supplier when the program starts, you may be able to stay with your current supplier if your supplier gets a new contract or chooses to become a grandfathered supplier. Your supplier will let you know in writing 30 business days before the program starts whether it will or won’t become a grandfathered supplier. See here for more information.

•When you switch to a Medicare contract supplier, your current supplier and your new Medicare contract supplier must work together to make sure you have the equipment you need.

•Under current Medicare rules, you own these types of equipment after renting them for 13 months. When you switch to a Medicare contract supplier instead of using a grandfathered supplier or other non-contract supplier, your 13-month rental period will start over, so you won’t own the equipment until after the new rental period ends. This will extend your rental period and result in additional months of coinsurance. However, the amount you pay may be lower.

•Once you own the equipment, you must get replacement supplies and accessories for the equipment from a contract supplier for Medicare to help you pay for these items. You may get repairs for the equipment you own from any Medicare- approved supplier (even a non-contract supplier), including replacement parts needed for the repair.

•If you already own your equipment, you’ll need to use a Medicare contract supplier for your replacement supplies and accessories, like masks used with the CPAP device.

What do I need to know if I need to repair and replace equipment I own?

•If you own medical equipment that's included in the program, you can use any Medicare-approved supplier (even a non-contract supplier) for repairs or replacement parts needed to repair your equipment. Before your equipment is serviced, make sure the supplier is enrolled in Medicare so Medicare can help pay. A “Medicare-enrolled” supplier means any supplier that can submit claims to Medicare.

•If you need to replace your medical equipment, you must use a Medicare contract supplier for Medicare to help pay for the equipment.

•Medicare doesn’t pay for repairs that are covered under a manufacturer’s or supplier’s warranty. If you need warranty repairs, follow the warranty rules.

•If you’re renting medical equipment, repair costs are included in the rental payments. The supplier renting you the equipment must fix it at no additional charge to you.

•Accessories for equipment like CPAP tubing and masks are replacement items. A contract supplier must provide these items for Medicare to pay. If you continue renting durable medical equipment (DME) from a grandfathered supplier, that supplier can also provide replacement accessories for use with the equipment for as long as the equipment is rented rather than owned by you. Blood glucose test strips and lancets are also replacement items and in all cases must be provided by a mail-order contract supplier if you get them delivered to your home and don't pick them up in person at a local store.

•If Original Medicare already paid for DME (like a wheelchair or walker) or supplies (like diabetes supplies) and it has been damaged or lost due to an emergency or disaster:

–In certain cases, Medicare may cover the cost to repair or replace your equipment or supplies

–Generally, Medicare may also cover the cost of rentals for items (like wheelchairs) during the time your equipment is being repaired

If a Medicare Advantage Plan or other Medicare health plan paid for your equipment or supplies, contact your plan directly to find out how it replaces DME or supplies damaged or lost in an emergency or disaster. You also can call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to get more information about how to replace your equipment or supplies. TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.

Where can I get more information about the Competitive Bidding Program?

If you’re currently renting, own, or need DME or supplies and have any questions about what’s covered or about suppliers, you can get information by:

•Visiting Medicare.gov/supplier to find Medicare contract suppliers in your area and information about the program.

•Calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.

•Calling your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for free health insurance counseling and personalized help understanding the program. To get the phone number for your state, visit shiptacenter.org, or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.

SECTION 6

Rights & protections

What if I have a complaint?

You may file a complaint with your supplier. The supplier must let you know they got your complaint and are investigating it within 5 calendar days. Within 14 days, the supplier must send you the result and their response in writing. You may also make a complaint by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048. Complaints that can’t be resolved by a 1-800-MEDICARE customer service representative will be referred to the appropriate office.

How can Medicare contract suppliers advertise?

The same marketing rules and regulations for Original Medicare apply to the competitive bidding program. For example, suppliers can’t misuse symbols, emblems, or names in reference to Social Security or Medicare.

In addition, Medicare has specific standards for marketing to people with Medicare. Suppliers can’t make uninvited contact with you by phone about supplying a Medicare-covered item unless one of these situations applies:

•You've given written permission to the supplier to contact you about a Medicare-covered item that you need to rent or buy.

•The supplier is coordinating delivery of the item.

•The supplier is contacting you about providing a Medicare-covered item other than a covered item you already have, and the supplier has provided at least one covered item to you during the previous 15-month period.

For more information about your rights and protections, visit Medicare.gov, or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.

What other rules must Medicare contract suppliers follow?

All Medicare contract suppliers have to meet special competitive bidding program requirements, federal quality standards, state licensure requirements, be in good standing with Medicare, and be accredited by an Independent Accreditation Organization. Medicare contract suppliers must:

•Accept assignment for all contract items. This means they can’t charge you more than the Medicare-approved amount.

•Offer the same brands of equipment to Medicare and non-Medicare customers.

•Make competitively bid items and supplies available throughout the entire competitive bidding area.

•Only provide equipment that meets all applicable Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, effectiveness, and safety standards.

•Maintain equipment according to manufacturer’s guidelines.

•Provide all equipment using educated professionals who meet applicable licensure requirements.

•Make available a competent professional to provide or arrange for necessary repairs or replacement of existing equipment.

•Provide safe operating equipment

•Provide equipment that's consistent with the doctor’s prescription.

•Provide appropriate instructions and training on the safe use and maintenance of the equipment.

•Be aware of changes in your medical needs and work together with your doctor.

Note: If you use respiratory equipment, your contract supplier must also:

•Provide access to respiratory services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

•Make sure all equipment is provided by educated professionals who follow nationally-recognized guidelines for safe and effective patient care

If you use respiratory equipment and need assistance, a knowledgeable professional will come to your home, if necessary, to provide additional equipment or to troubleshoot issues with existing equipment.

Can a Medicare contract supplier work with other suppliers to get what I need?

Your Medicare contract supplier may work with other suppliers (subcontractors) to provide you and other customers with certain services, like delivering or installing equipment. Your Medicare contract supplier (not the subcontractor) should work with you directly when making arrangements for services. Subcontractors shouldn’t market to you directly. If you have questions about the subcontractor, talk to your Medicare contract supplier. You can find their phone number by visiting Medicare.gov/supplier or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.

Who do I contact if I don’t think a supplier is following these rules?

If you don’t think a supplier is following these rules, you can file a complaint with the Competitive Acquisition Ombudsman. The Competitive Acquisition Ombudsman must respond to individual and supplier inquiries, issues, and complaints.

The Ombudsman reviews the concerns raised by people with Medicare through 1-800-MEDICARE and through your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).

Visit Medicare.gov/claims-and-appeals/medicare-rights/get-help/ombudsman. html for information on inquiries and complaints, activities of the Ombudsman, and what people with Medicare need to know.

Notice of Availability of Auxiliary Aids & Services

We’re committed to making our programs, benefits, services, facilities, information, and technology accessible in accordance with Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. We’ve taken appropriate steps to make sure that people with disabilities, including people who are deaf, hard of hearing or blind, or who have low vision or other sensory limitations, have an equal opportunity to participate in our services, activities, programs, and other benefits. We provide various auxiliary aids and services to communicate with people with disabilities, including:

Relay service — TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.

Alternate formats — This product is available in alternate formats, including large print, Braille, audio, CD, or as an eBook. To request a Medicare product in an alternate format, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048. To request the Medicare & You handbook in an alternate format, visit Medicare.gov/medicare-and-you.

For all other CMS publications:

1. Call 1-844-ALT-FORM (1-844-258-3676). TTY users can call 1-844-716-3676.

2. Send a fax to 1-844-530-3676.

3. Send an email to AltFormatRequest@cms.hhs.gov.

4. Send a letter to: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Offices of Hearings and Inquiries (OHI), 7500 Security Boulevard, Room S1-13-25 Baltimore, MD 21244-1850, Attn: CMS Alternate Format Team

Note: Your request for a CMS publication should include your name, phone number, mailing address where we should send the publications, and the publication title and product number, if available. Also include the format you need, like Braille, large print, audio CD, or a qualified reader.

Nondiscrimination Notice

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) doesn’t exclude, deny benefits to, or otherwise discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, sex, or age. If you think you’ve been discriminated against or treated unfairly for any of these reasons, you can file a complaint with the Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights by:

Calling 1-800-368-1019. TTY users can call 1-800-537-7697.

Visiting hhs.gov/ocr/civilrights/complaints.

Writing:

Office for Civil Rights

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

200 Independence Avenue, SW

Room 509F, HHH Building

Washington, D.C. 20201

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

7500 Security Boulevard

Baltimore, Maryland 21244-1850

Official Business

Penalty for Private Use, $300

CMS Product No. 11461

Revised June 2017

Table of Contents

Introduction

What's the Competitive Bidding Program?

Using a Medicare contract or grandfathered supplier

Am I affected if I’m in a Medicare Advantage Plan?

Items & areas

Are you affected by this program?

Competitive Bidding Program (CBAs) by State

What Medicare will pay

Do I have to get my medical equipment and/or supplies from a Medicare contract supplier?

Do I have to change suppliers if I was renting equipment from a supplier that doesn’t have a new contract with Medicare?

Where can I find DMEPOS suppliers I can use in my area?

What happens if my supplier doesn’t have a new contract and decides NOT to become a grandfathered supplier?

What if I don’t hear from my supplier?

I have Medicare and Medicaid. Will Medicaid cover an item I get from a non-contract supplier if Medicare doesn’t cover it?

Do I have to change doctors?

What if I need a specific brand or mode of delivery of a competitively bid item or service?

What if I travel away from home and need to get medical equipment or supplies?

Cost

Will my costs change?

Do I still have to pay my deductible?

How does Medicare pay for equipment or supplies if I have other insurance?

What if I get my medical equipment or supplies from a supplier who isn’t a Medicare contract supplier?

Item-specific information

What do I need to know if I buy diabetic supplies, like test strips or lancets?

What do I need to know if I use enteral nutrients, supplies, and equipment?

What do I need to know if I use a walker?

What do I need to know if I use oxygen, oxygen equipment, and supplies?

What do I need to know if I rent

What do I need to know if I need to repair and replace equipment I own?

Where can I get more information about the Competitive Bidding Program?

Rights & protections

What if I have a complaint?

How can Medicare contract suppliers advertise?

What other rules must Medicare contract suppliers follow?

Can a Medicare contract supplier work with other suppliers to get what I need?

Who do I contact if I don’t think a supplier is following these rules?