CMS Delays Round Two of Bidding

A delay in Round Two of the bidding program was announced at the meeting of the CMS competitive bidding Program Advisory and Oversight Committee (PAOC). Under the revised timeline, contract winners will be announced in Spring 2013 and the prices and contracts would be implemented in the Summer of 2013.

Both lead sponsors of the bidding repeal bill, H.R. 1041, applauded the delay announcement. Congressman Glenn Thompson (R-Pa.) noted that, “Auction and bidding experts have resoundingly agreed that the program does not work. Delaying round two only kicks the can to a future date. While this is an indication that the Fairness in Medicare Bidding Act (H.R. 1041) is gaining momentum, we must continue efforts to educate policy makers here in Washington about the disastrous affects this program will have on our communities and Medicare beneficiaries.”