CMS’ Competitive Bidding Program for NPWT Delayed 

On July 15, 2008, the Competitive Bidding program was delayed and significantly modified under a new law passed by Congress, The Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (MIPPA).

Because of this law, KCI will be able to continue providing V.A.C.® Therapy for all Medicare Part B beneficiaries in the home, in addition to all other patients.

Key provisions of the Act include:

• Exemption of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) from inclusion in the first round of Competitive Bidding.
• Termination of all durable medical equipment supplier contracts previously awarded by CMS in the first round of Competitive Bidding.
• The delay of implementation of the first round of Competitive Bidding until January 2010.
• The delay of implementation of the second round of Competitive Bidding until January 2011.