Status changes for bid-related IFR
By HME News Staff
Updated Wed May 9, 2018
WASHINGTON - The status of an interim final rule that would provide relief from Medicare's competitive bidding program was changed to “concluded” on May 8.
Previously, the status of the IFR, which has been sitting at the Office of Management and Budget since August, was “pending.”
An abstract for the IFR states that it would extend a phase-in period for a second round of reimbursement cuts for DME and enteral nutrition in non-bid areas from June 30, 2016, to Dec. 31, 2016. It would also amend the regulation to resume the transition period for items furnished from Aug. 1, 2017, through Dec. 31, 2018.
According to the abstract, the IFR would also:
- Make technical amendments to existing regulations for DMEPOS items and services to exclude infusion drugs used with DME from the bid program; and
- Request information on issues related to adjustments to DMEPOS fee schedules, alternatives for ensuring budget neutrality of oxygen payment classes and current rules under the bid program.
AAHomecare says it is working with sources to find out more about the new status of the IFR and expects additional details to be published in the next few days.
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