[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 174 (Thursday, September 9, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Pages 49020-49021]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-23348]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Health Care Financing Administration
[HCFA-1087-N]


Medicare Program; Open Public Meeting To Discuss the Conduct of a 
Second Competitive Bidding Demonstration

AGENCY: Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA), HHS.

ACTION: Notice of meeting.

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SUMMARY: This notice announces a public meeting regarding the operation 
of a second competitive bidding demonstration. It is our intention to 
use this second demonstration to continue to examine the use of 
competitive bidding for the use of Durable Medical Equipment, 
Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS). The principal subjects 
to be discussed will be the selection of the site and the designation 
of the group of DMEPOS services for which competitive bids will be 
solicited.
    The first demonstration is in Polk County, Florida. The group of 
items on which competitive bids were solicited in Polk County were: 
oxygen supplies and equipment, enteral nutrition equipment and 
supplies, hospital beds, surgical dressings, and urological supplies. 
The sale of these products under competitively determined prices will 
begin October 1, 1999.
    This meeting will offer an opportunity to manufacturers, 
distributors, suppliers, users, and other interested parties to furnish 
information and raise issues about the group of items to be offered and 
the site for the second competitive bidding demonstration. The meeting 
will also address the following issues:
     Quality standards for product categories.
     Bidding for urban versus sparsely populated areas.

DATES: The meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 5, 1999, from 9:00 
a.m. to 1:00 p.m., e.d.t.

ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held in HCFA's Multipurpose Room, 7500 
Security Boulevard, Baltimore, Maryland.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Herbert Silverman, (410) 786-7702, [email protected]
      or
Danielle Grush, (410) 786-0915, [email protected]

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    Section 1847 of the Social Security Act, as added by section 4319 
of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, authorizes the implementation of up 
to five demonstration projects of competitive bidding for Part B 
services, but excludes physician services. Each demonstration project 
is to include specified products and/or services and could be conducted 
in up to three competitive acquisition areas for a 3-year period. 
However, all demonstrations must be completed by December 31, 2002.
    The first demonstration will be operated in Polk County, Florida. 
We are now considering how to operate a second demonstration. Among the 
issues that will be addressed are:
     Site characteristics desirable or undesirable for the 
second demonstration.
     Group of DMEPOS items for inclusion in the second 
demonstration.
    We are also interested in the quality standards widely used in the 
industry and the sources of those standards.
    We are announcing this public meeting to provide an opportunity for 
individuals and organizations familiar with the characteristics of the 
DMEPOS markets to furnish information and raise issues pertaining to 
the second competitive bidding demonstration involving DMEPOS product 
categories and the standards that would assure high quality products 
and services. We

[[Page 49021]]

intend to gather and present information related to these issues.
    We will schedule short (10 to 15 minute) presentations by our staff 
and the public on these and other related topics. Individuals 
interested in making a presentation at the meeting must contact Herbert 
Silverman or Danielle Grush at the above noted telephone numbers or by 
fax at (410) 786-1048 no later than September 28, 1999. Individuals 
must identify the topic or issue they want to discuss. Only a limited 
number of presentations will be allowed because of time constraints. In 
an effort to assure that all viewpoints are represented, we will notify 
the participants selected to make presentations by September 30, 1999.
    While the meeting is open to the public, attendance is limited to 
available space. Individuals must register in advance as described 
below.

Registration

    Individuals may register by sending a fax to the attention of 
either Herbert Silverman or Danielle Grush at the above number. At the 
time of registration, please provide your name, address, and telephone 
and fax numbers. Your fax transmission sheet receipt will constitute 
confirmation of your registration. Individuals will be contacted only 
if space is unavailable. If you have questions regarding registration, 
please contact Ms. Grush. Materials will be provided at the time of the 
meeting.
    We will accept written comments, questions, or other materials 
specific to the purpose of this meeting if received by September 28, 
1999. Written submissions must be sent to: Health Care Financing 
Administration, Attn: Herbert Silverman, C4-17-27, 7500 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, Maryland 21244-1850.
    You may contact Mr. Silverman at: Telephone: (410) 786-7702, Fax: 
(410) 786-1048, E-mail: [email protected]

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Program No. 93.773, 
Medicare--Hospital Insurance Program; and No. 93.774, Medicare--
Supplementary Medical Insurance Program)

    Dated: September 1, 1999.
Michael M. Hash,
Deputy Administrator, Health Care Financing Administration.
[FR Doc. 99-23348 Filed 9-8-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4120-01-P