After receiving multiple questions from its members related to Round Two of competitive bidding, the Accredited Medicare Equipment Providers of America was able to obtain answers from CBIC Ombudsman Elaine Hensley.
Many of the questions pertained to changes in accreditation status that occur after Round Two’s bid window closes on March 30. Others questions included topics such asforming new subcontracting agreements after their hardcopy documents are sent to the CBIC.
Below are the questions and Hensley’s answers:
QUESTION: Many suppliers accreditation expires in the next few months. Some have had a recent survey but have not received their updated certificate from their accrediting body. For those who had a recent survey and are expecting an updated certificate before March 30, 2012, should they wait to submit their FINALIZED BID and update their Form A; or just send their FINALIIZED BID and send the update to the CBIC when their updated Accreditation Certificate arrives?
ANSWER: Suppliers can finalize their bids now. We validate accreditation against the data on file in PECOS. Suppliers should not send us a copy of the accreditation certificate unless we develop for it.
QUESTION: For those whose accreditation expires in April or shortly thereafter, how should they update the CBIC that their accreditation is renewed and their status is still ACCREDITED?
ANSWER: We validate accreditation against the data on file in PECOS. Suppliers should not send us a copy of the accreditation certificate unless we develop for it.
QUESTION: The same question applies to State Licensure which will be expiring and renewing in the next few months. How should bidders inform the CBIC about renewed licenses?
ANSWER: We validate licensure against the data on file in PECOS. Suppliers should not send us a copy of the state licensure unless we develop for it.
QUESTION: In order to make the changes to licensure and accreditation would they need to enroll in PECOS or could they send the update in a hardcopy to the NSC?
ANSWER: Suppliers do not require the online access to PECOS to update their licensure and accreditation information. They can send the applicable section of the CMS-855S and a copy of the accreditation and/or license hardcopy to the NSC.
QUESTION: Once providers send their hardcopy documents, and later have an agreement with a Subcontractor, do they send a copy of that agreement into the CBIC? Would they need a letter to amend the Hardcopy Documents.
ANSWER: In this situation, suppliers should not send their subcontractor agreements unless they are awarded a contractor. At which time, they must submit the agreement within 10 business days of the final contract execution or no later than 10 days after the contract supplier enters into a subcontracting arrangement.