WASHINGTON D.C. (May 26, 2021)—The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released additional information about the bids received in Round 2021 of Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics and Supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding Program.  

Background on Round 2021 

Round 2021 began on Jan. 1, 2021, and extends through Dec. 1, 2023. Round 2021 consolidates the competitive bidding areas (CBAs) that were included in Round 1 2017 and Round 2 Recompete. Round 2021 includes 130 CBAs. 

On April 9, 2020, the non-invasive ventilators product category was removed from Round 2021 due to the novel COVID-19 pandemic. 

On Oct. 27, 2020, CMS announced the single payment amounts and began offering contracts for the off-the-shelf (OTS) back braces and OTS knee braces product categories. All other product categories were removed from Round 2021.  

CMS is required by law to recompete contracts under the DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program at least once every three years. 

Providers were considered eligible for bid evaluation if they submitted at least one bid that was complete/certified in the DMEPOS Bidding System (DBidS), uploaded at least one required financial document, and uploaded a bid surety bond. 

Below is handy infographic outlining the number suppliers may be interested in from Round 2021. Find more information here.

 
Competitive bidding by the numbers