The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has confirmed the return of the CMS DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program under the CY 2026 regulatory framework. This announcement marks a significant shift for Durable Medical Equipment (DME) suppliers nationwide and signals a more competitive, compliance-driven reimbursement environment under updated CMS reimbursement rules for DME.
Although CMS has not yet released full operational guidance, the Medicare DME competitive bidding updates issued to date provide suppliers with a clear directional framework. Suppliers that begin preparing now will be better positioned to evaluate participation, protect revenue, and meet DMEPOS bidding requirements before the bidding window opens.
Key Competitive Bidding Timeline
CMS has outlined a multi-year timeline for the Medicare supplier bidding program, placing responsibility on suppliers to prepare well in advance.
Supplier awareness activities will begin in December 2025, marking the formal reintroduction of the DMEPOS competitive bidding 2026–2028 cycle and outlining the nationwide structure of the program.
In late spring or early summer of 2026, CMS will announce registration dates, covered product categories, and the number of contracts awarded per category. This milestone will enable suppliers to assess whether participation aligns with their operational and compliance capabilities under the DME supplier compliance CMS standards.
Bid registration and submission are expected to open in late summer or early fall of 2026. During this period, suppliers must submit bids that meet all DMEPOS bidding requirements, including accreditation, enrollment, and financial documentation.
In late summer or early fall of 2027, CMS will evaluate bids, award contracts, and publish single payment amounts. The new contract period will commence on January 1, 2028, with a six-month beneficiary transition period to ensure continuity of care.
Product Categories Included in the Next Round
CMS has confirmed that the upcoming CMS DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program will include:
- Class II Continuous Glucose Monitors and Insulin Pumps
- Urological supplies
- Ostomy supplies
- Hydrophilic urinary catheters
- Off-the-shelf orthotics, including back, knee, and upper extremity braces
All categories will operate under a nationwide remote item delivery model, increasing competition and emphasizing operational scale and consistency under current CMS reimbursement rules for DME.
Projected Number of Contract Awards
CMS has indicated that contract awards under the Medicare supplier bidding program will be limited and based on industry claims data and supplier participation volume.
Preliminary projections using 2024 claims data suggest intense competition across all categories in the DMEPOS competitive bidding 2026–2028 round. Current estimates indicate:
- 10 national suppliers for CGMs and insulin pumps
- 8 suppliers each for urological and ostomy supplies
- 6 suppliers for knee and upper extremity braces
- 4 suppliers for off-the-shelf back braces
Final award numbers will be released by CMS in 2026.
What This Means for DME Suppliers
The return of competitive bidding is more than a pricing exercise. It represents increased margin pressure, heightened audit exposure, and stricter DME supplier compliance with CMS expectations.
Suppliers that rely on a single revenue stream face greater financial risk if contracts are not awarded. In contrast, organizations that prepare early, maintain continuous compliance, and diversify revenue sources are better positioned to withstand outcomes tied to Medicare DME competitive bidding updates.
How QPI Supports Supplier Success
QPI Healthcare Services helps suppliers adapt to regulatory change by building resilient, compliance-focused business models. Rather than reacting to audits or contract awards, QPI emphasizes proactive readiness aligned with evolving CMS reimbursement rules for DME.
QPI supports suppliers across multiple care settings and revenue channels, reducing dependence on competitive bidding alone while maintaining alignment with the CMS DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program.
Education Through Q-University
Q-University DME Training Center delivers practical education for suppliers navigating competitive bidding, accreditation, compliance, and long-term growth strategy. Training focuses on actionable guidance that supports operational readiness throughout the DMEPOS competitive bidding 2026–2028 cycle.
Suppliers that invest in education, infrastructure, and compliance preparation are best positioned to succeed in an increasingly competitive Medicare supplier bidding program environment.