VGM & ASSOCIATESHealthcare MSO
Full Menu Search

CMS Updates FAQ On Competitive Bidding Program

Published in 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. 

Get Connected

Stay up-to-date on the latest resources and news provided by VGM & Associates.

Sign Up for Email

From Our Experts

CRT Bill H.R. 1703 Advances Through Full Energy & Commerce Committee thumbnail CRT Bill H.R. 1703 Advances Through Full Energy & Commerce Committee Earlier this week, we shared that H.R. 1703 advanced through the House Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee. We are pleased to report that the bill has continued to gain momentum and has now successfully passed out of the full Energy & Commerce Committee unanimously following today's markup. Important Update: Prior Auth Exemption Process – Deadline Extended to May 26, 2026 thumbnail Important Update: Prior Auth Exemption Process – Deadline Extended to May 26, 2026 CMS has just announced that the deadline to opt out of the prior authorization exemption and continue submitting prior authorization requests has been extended to Tuesday, May 26. This extension only applies to suppliers that received a letter from the DME MACs in early March regarding their prior authorization exemption status. CRT Bill H.R. 1703 Advances Through Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee thumbnail CRT Bill H.R. 1703 Advances Through Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee As announced during the NCART and AAHomecare Legislative Conference last week, H.R. 1703, the Choices for Increased Mobility Act, was considered and advanced out of the House Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee. This is a positive step forward for the CRT community. VGM Government Relations Team Advocates for DME in Washington, D.C. thumbnail VGM Government Relations Team Advocates for DME in Washington, D.C. VGM Government Relations team members joined industry leaders in Washington, D.C., this week for a series of impactful advocacy events, including the 2026 AAHomecare Legislative Conference, NCART Legislative Conference, and the AAHomecare Payer Relations Council meeting. BREAKING NEWS: Big Win For DME Industry in North Carolina thumbnail BREAKING NEWS: Big Win For DME Industry in North Carolina Congratulations to ACMESA on the passage of a Medicaid funding bill, which provides important stability for DMEPOS providers and the patients they serve. Invite Your Federal Legislator to the CRT Product Expo in Washington, D.C. thumbnail Invite Your Federal Legislator to the CRT Product Expo in Washington, D.C. During the upcoming NCART/iNRRTS U.S. Rehab Legislative Conference, NCART and U.S. Rehab will host a Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) Product Expo on May 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in Washington, D.C. This Expo is a valuable opportunity for members of Congress and their staff to see firsthand how CRT products impact independence, mobility, and quality of life for individuals with disabilities. Network Bidding Opens New Path for Small DMEPOS Suppliers thumbnail Network Bidding Opens New Path for Small DMEPOS Suppliers CMS released a new FAQ clarifying that small DMEPOS suppliers may form networks to collectively meet licensure, accreditation, and enrollment requirements for the next round of the Competitive Bidding Program. This guidance creates a new pathway for small suppliers to compete, with additional education and networking support available through VGM initiatives. VGM Group Highlights Value of DMEPOS Industry and Commends Efforts to Protect Patients and Communities thumbnail VGM Group Highlights Value of DMEPOS Industry and Commends Efforts to Protect Patients and Communities VGM Group continues to underscore the effectiveness and efficiency of the Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) industry and its critical role across the healthcare continuum. The services and support provided by DMEPOS suppliers not only enhance patient outcomes and strengthen community health, but do so in a cost-effective manner that delivers meaningful savings to the healthcare system.

Give your business an advantage over the competition.

Become a Member