The House of Representatives passed H.R. 284, legislation that eliminates non-binding bids from CMS’s competitive bidding program, and requires proof of licensure for Medicare contract auctions.

The House bill is part of The Medicare Competitive Bidding Improvement Act (MCBIA), which comprises House and Senate bills that were launched as the 114th Congress began at the start of the year. H.R. 284, was introduced into the lower chamber by Reps. Pat Tiberi (R-Ohio) and John Larson (D-Conn.), who are both members of the House Ways and Means Committee. It’s companion legislation, S.148, which was launched into the Senate by Sens. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) and Ben Cardin (D-Md.), who are both members of the Senate Finance Committee.

“This is by no means ‘mission accomplished,’” said Jay Witter, senior vice president of public policy for the American Association for Homecare, which has led the industry’s efforts to shape and pass the legislation. “We will continue to press forward in the Senate and we are ready to work with Congress and CMS to see the elements of this legislation implemented as soon as possible.”

“The House passing H.R. 284 is a huge step towards reforming the bidding process, but our work is not done,” said Tom Ryan, president and CEO of AAHomecare. “I would like to thank Reps. Tiberi and Larson and Senators Portman (R-Ohio) and Cardin (D-Md.) for their leadership on this issue. We will continue to work with lawmakers in the Senate to call for quick action on this bipartisan and budget-neutral legislation.”

Rep. Tiberi gave a brief statement before the bill was brought to a vote, which can be viewed below or at youtu.be/i5lVy34RI4g.