Hawaii Wildfires - 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 (contract suppliers) who are currently contracted for Off-the-Shelf (OTS) back braces for the Honolulu competitive bidding area (CBA), and who may be impacted by the Hawaii wildfires.

CMS Resources

CMS provides information and resources for emergency preparedness and response, including the granting of specific waivers to certain Medicare requirements under Section 1135 of the Social Security Act. For information specific to the Hawaii wildfires, including a DMEPOS beneficiary and supplier fact sheet, follow the link to the current emergencies website.

Contingency Planning

The DMEPOS Quality Standards require a contingency plan that enables contract suppliers to respond to emergencies and disasters or to establish arrangements with alternative suppliers in the event the contract supplier cannot service its own customers as the result of an emergency or disaster. Contract 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 contract suppliers to notify CMS no later than 10 days after the date a contract supplier enters into a subcontracting arrangement. CMS will provide notice of any changes to reporting timeframes for future developments. For more information on subcontracting, refer to the Subcontracting of DMEPOS Services fact sheet.

Replacement of OTS Back Braces

In all cases for which Medicare payment for replacing an OTS back brace is available to beneficiaries residing in a CBA, it must be furnished by a contract 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. Contract suppliers impacted by the Hawaii wildfires may also contact DME Medicare Administrative Contractor Jurisdiction D for additional information or guidance.   

Competitive Bidding Implementation Contractor (CBIC) Coordination

Contract 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.