Source: CMS, DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program – Updates and Important Information, fact sheet updated 8 December 2025, summarizing the CY 2026 Home Health Prospective Payment System final rule (CMS-1828-F). Dates below are CMS’s target dates.
Next-round timeline
| When (CMS target) | What happens |
|---|---|
| December 2025 | Pre-bidding supplier awareness program begins |
| Late spring / early summer 2026 | Registration and bidding dates, lead items and number of contracts announced |
| Late summer / early fall 2026 | Bidder registration; bid window opens |
| Late summer / early fall 2027 | Contracts awarded; single payment amounts announced; beneficiary education begins |
| No later than January 1, 2028 | Contracts and single payment amounts take effect; six-month transition begins |
What’s in the next round
| Included | Not listed |
|---|---|
| Class II continuous glucose monitors and insulin pumps | CPAP devices and supplies |
| Urological supplies (not hydrophilic catheters) | Home oxygen equipment |
| Ostomy supplies | Bilevel devices |
| Hydrophilic urinary catheters | Hospital beds, wheelchairs |
| Off-the-shelf back, knee and upper-extremity braces |
CMS says all next-round categories are in the nationwide Remote Item Delivery program. The “not listed” column reflects only what’s absent from CMS’s list; it isn’t a CMS statement about future rounds.
What changes in how prices are set
| Change | Detail (CMS) |
|---|---|
| Single payment amounts | Now the 75th percentile of winning bids, not the maximum winning bid |
| Annual updates | Adjusted in years 2 and 3 by CPI-U, capped at the unadjusted fee schedule or 110% of the adjusted fee schedule |
| Number of contracts | 125% of the suppliers furnishing at least 3% of national allowed services for the lead item |
| Small suppliers | Extra contracts may be offered toward a 30% small-supplier target |
Your protections
- Assignment: contract suppliers must submit claims on an assignment basis. CMS notes that non-participating suppliers in non-bidding areas aren’t required to accept assignment and “can charge any amount”. See DME assignment explained.
- Brand or delivery mode: if your doctor prescribes a specific brand or delivery mode to avoid an adverse outcome, the contract supplier must provide it, help you find another contract supplier, or work with your doctor on an acceptable alternative.
- Transition: if your old supplier doesn’t transfer your documentation, contract suppliers get six months to obtain new orders.
- Repairs: you can get repairs to equipment you own from contract or non-contract suppliers.
- Complaints: CMS has a Competitive Acquisition Ombudsman and a formal complaint process.
What it means if you use CPAP or oxygen
For now, nothing changes from this round. Your costs still follow Part B rules: 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the Part B deductible, if your supplier accepts assignment (Medicare.gov). See Medicare CPAP rules, Medicare oxygen coverage and switching oxygen suppliers.
Verdict
The next competitive bidding round, targeted for 2028, focuses on mail-order supplies and braces, not CPAP or oxygen. If you use a CGM, insulin pump or ostomy or urological supplies, expect a switch to national contract suppliers. Whatever you use, the assignment and brand protections are worth knowing.
Related: Medigap and DME costs, Medicare Advantage vs Original Medicare for DME.