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CMS Updates FAQ On Competitive Bidding Program

Published in VGM Government Relations on April 06, 2026

On April 2, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a new FAQ, inclusive of 24 new questions and answers, on the next round of DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program (CBP) via CBIC, the official information source for bidders and focal point for bidder education. 

Notable Program Updates

  • Surety bond increase from $50,000 to $100,000
  • Network bids allowed for small suppliers under 42 CFR § 414.418

Bidder Education 

The first phase of bidder education will include details on: 

  • Bidding process
  • Eligibility requirements
  • Key program changes

Tentative Timeline Affirmed for Next Round 

CMS reiterated the following timeline: 

  • Late spring/early summer 2026 
    • CMS announces specific dates for registration and bidding
    • CMS announces lead items for the DMEPOS CBP product categories and number of contracts to award for each product category
    • CMS begins bidder education program
  • Late summer/early fall 2026
    • Bidder registration period to obtain user IDs and passwords begins 
    • Bid window opens
  • Late summer/early fall 2027
    • Contracts awarded and single payment amounts announced
    • Beneficiary education begins
  • No later than Jan. 1, 2028
    • Start of next round. Contracts and single payment amounts in effect
    • Six-month transition period begins for beneficiaries to switch to contract suppliers 

You can read the complete FAQ here. As always, VGM Government Relations will be sure to keep you updated on any further changes regarding CBP. 

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