Medicare Competitive Bidding: Important Information for Healthcare Professionals
Congress has changed the way Medicare pays for certain Medicare Supplies. Under the new Competitive Bidding Program, Suppliers who offer the best price and meet Medicare's quality and financial standards are awarded contracts to supply Medicare beneficiaries with certain durable medical equipment and mail order supplies beginning July 2008-including blood glucose monitoring supplies. (Note: Diabetes meters are not included.).
| The Competitive Bidding Program will take place in Competitive Bidding Areas (CBAs). These geographic areas are defined by zip codes and are represented in the following metropolitan areas. | 
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To determine if a beneficiary's zip code is included in a CBA, you may call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or go online and search zip codes at www.medicare.gov.
Continuity of Care
Medicare's Competitive Bidding program includes the following provision, to ensure beneficiaries will receive the appropriate physician prescribed product:
- Beneficiaries in the affected CBA will have the option of obtaining diabetes supplies through a contracted mail order supplier or retail pharmacy.
- Suppliers must furnish the particular brand or mode of delivery as prescribed by the physician or treating practitioner.
Will Medicare's annual deductibles remain the same?
Yes, beneficiaries are still required to meet their annual deductible, and, each year pay the Part B deductible before Medicare pays 80 percent of the Medicare-approved amount for equipment, supplies and services. Beneficiaries are also responsible for the 20 percent coinsurance. Approved suppliers within a CBA cannot charge more than the 20 percent co-insurance and any unmet deductible.
As a healthcare provider am I still able to provide my patients with equipment and supplies?
Yes, there is nothing within the Competitive Bidding Program that replaces a healthcare provider's ability to provide equipment and supplies as part of a beneficiary’s medical treatment.
What if my patient cannot obtain their FreeStyle® or Precision® products and supplies from an authorized contract supplier?
For information on obtaining FreeStyle and Precision products call 1-877-596-3395.
Just What the Doctor Ordered
Now more than ever, it's important to prescribe a brand you can trust - the FreeStyle family of blood glucose monitoring systems from Abbott Diabetes Care. The FreeStyle Lite® monitor and FreeStyle Freedom® Lite monitor include all the features and benefits your patients want for blood glucose testing such as no coding, a five second average test time, and the world's smallest blood sample size. Prescribe a FreeStyle system and rest assured that Medicare beneficiaries will get just what the doctor ordered.
DOC14664-Rev-C 06/08