The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is making some important changes in the Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding Program (CBP) so that we can protect the Medicare Trust Funds and lower copays for beneficiaries. For more details, refer to the Calendar Year (CY) 2026 Home Health Prospective Payment System Final Rule (CMS-1828-F) displayed in the Federal Register on November 28, 2025.
Next Round Timeline
To ensure bidders are prepared for the next round, CMS has announced the following next steps for the program:
December 2025
CMS begins pre-bidding supplier awareness program
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 January 1, 2028
Start of Next Round – Contracts and single payment amounts (SPAs) in effect
Six-month transition period begins for beneficiaries to switch to contract suppliers
For more information please visit Competitive Bidding Updates
DME INFO 