CMS to Conduct Special Open Door Forum on Medicare’s Prior Authorization for Power Mobility Devices Demonstration

On Wednesday, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will host a Special Open Door Forum (ODF) to provide healthcare suppliers and providers an opportunity to learn more and ask questions about Medicare’s Prior Authorization for Power Mobility Devices Demonstration Program. CMS’ new demonstration program, which applies to orders written on or after September 1st, creates a prior authorization process for specified medical equipment provided to Medicare beneficiaries in California, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, New York, North Carolina, and Texas. CMS identified these states as containing the highest populations of fraud- and error-prone providers, and the new program seeks to ensure that CMS pays appropriately for medical equipment.

The demonstration will examine whether a beneficiary’s medical condition warrants the medical equipment under existing coverage guidelines. CMS also notes that the program will preserve Medicare beneficiaries’ ability to receive quality products from accredited suppliers.

In order to participate, dial (800) 837-1935 and use the conference ID: 34258271. Following the ODF, a transcript and recording will be available on CMS’ website.

If you have any questions regarding the CMS’ Open Door Forum or new Prior Authorization for Power Mobility Devices Demonstration Program, please contact a Wachler & Associates healthcare attorney at 248-544-0888.