We eat, breathe, sleep CBP

The HME industry kicked off the new year much like it ended the last – focused on Medicare’s competitive bidding program (CBP). The next round of CBP is officially underway, and its impact will be significant.

Although CMS didn’t finalize its plans until a Nov. 28 rule, competitive bidding skyrocketed to the top of our 10 most-read articles of 2025:

• No. 2 CMS moves forward with national competitive bidding
• No. 6 Next round of bidding takes shape: CMS proposes new rules, remote delivery CBPs and annual accreditation
• No. 8 CMS confirms limited scope for next round of competitive bidding

This story has legs, and coverage will continue. In our February issue (it goes live online here on Thursday), don’t miss these CBP-focused stories:

• Medicare’s next competitive bidding round: How to get ready (page 3)
• Will providers say no thanks to next round of CBP? (page 1)
• Back in bid-ness: Medtrade adds new track for 2026 (page 3)

We’re also tracking CMS’s new requirement for annual resurveys and reaccreditation – another major change stemming from the Nov. 28 rule. In the February issue, check out:

• AOs process change (page 1)
• AOs work to accommodate providers looking to switch (page 26)
• BOC reinstated (page 26)

More coverage is coming, including continued coverage of the industry’s efforts to delay the start of CBP. At press time for this issue, the House hosted a hearing on legislative proposals to support patient access. AAHomecare President and CEO Tom Ryan was there to highlight several industry-related bills – and the next round of CBP.

Ryan told lawmakers that 37% of HME providers have gone out of business since CMS launched competitive bidding in 2013. Rep. Kat Cammack, R-Fla., paused him, saying, “When people watch this video clip back, I want folks at home to really understand – hit that 37% number once again.” He repeated: “37% of the DMEPOS providers have gone out of business since 2013.”

“That is a staggering number,” Cammack said. “And so, people in underserved communities and rural communities need to understand that consolidation and services are going away. I think they’re living it every day, but people in America need to understand that this is at a tipping point.”

It’s only been a few months since the final rule was published, so this is just the beginning – for the industry’s response and for our reporting. It’s our jobs to keep you updated every step of the way.