Hurricane Ian - Information for DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program Suppliers

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) would like to share some reminders and information to assist Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding Program (CBP) suppliers impacted by Hurricane Ian.

CMS Resources

CMS provides information and resources for emergency response and recovery, including the granting of specific waivers to certain Medicare requirements under Section 1135 of the Social Security Act. For information specific to Hurricane Ian, including a DMEPOS beneficiary and supplier fact sheet, follow the link to the Hurricanes & Tropical Storms website.

Contingency Planning

The DMEPOS Quality Standards require a contingency plan that enables DMEPOS CBP suppliers to respond to emergencies and disasters or to establish arrangements with alternative suppliers in the event that the DMEPOS CBP supplier cannot service its own customers as the result of an emergency or disaster. DMEPOS CBP suppliers should review their plans to ensure they are current, all contact information is up-to-date, and discuss the plan with staff.

Subcontracting

CMS regulations at 42 CFR §414.422(f) require DMEPOS CBP suppliers to notify CMS no later than 10 days after the date a DMEPOS CBP supplier enters into a subcontracting arrangement. As a result of Hurricane Ian, CMS is temporarily extending the 10-business day deadline to provide notification of any subcontracting arrangement. During the temporary extension period, affected DMEPOS CBP suppliers will have 30 business days to provide notice of any subcontracting arrangements. CMS will notify DMEPOS CBP suppliers via email when this temporary extension expires. All other DMEPOS CBP requirements remain in force. CMS will provide notice of any changes to reporting timeframes for future events. For more information on subcontracting, refer to the Subcontracting of DMEPOS Services fact sheet.

Replacement of DMEPOS

In all cases for which Medicare payment for replacing a DMEPOS CBP item is available to beneficiaries residing in a competitive bidding area, the replacement item must be furnished by a DMEPOS CBP supplier. CMS has standard policies in place to process emergency or disaster claims according to CMS regulations in the Medicare Claims Processing Manual. For specific billing information during an emergency or disaster, please see the Emergency Q&As Without §1135 Waivers. DMEPOS CBP suppliers impacted by Hurricane Ian may also contact DME Medicare Administrative Contractor Jurisdiction C for additional information or guidance.   

CBIC Coordination

DMEPOS CBP suppliers seeking additional information should call the CBIC customer service center at 877-577-5331 between 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. prevailing Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, or email cbic.admin@palmettogba.com.