CMS Set Dates for 2028 Medicare Bidding Program
Durable medical equipment providers must prepare for registration and bidding windows starting in late 2026.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Healthcare
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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has announced the timeline for its Round 2028 competitive bidding program. This process, which encompasses seven product categories, will determine reimbursement rates effective at the start of 2028.
Why it matters
The bidding process dictates the market-wide payment amounts for covered supplies, directly impacting revenue margins for participating healthcare providers. Operational stability relies on timely registration and bid submission to maintain access to Medicare beneficiary contracts.
The program covers seven product categories with specific bid limits, such as $855.26 for off-the-shelf back braces and $8.86 for urological supplies. These limits set the initial ceiling for provider bids ahead of the January 2028 contract implementation.
The players
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
A federal agency within the Department of Health and Human Services that oversees the Medicare program and establishes reimbursement rules for healthcare providers.
The details
Providers must navigate a registration window that runs from December 1, 2026, through February 1, 2027, followed by a bidding window opening on January 5, 2027. The program includes a six-month transition period beginning January 1, 2028, to adjust to the new payment amounts. CMS has established a dedicated customer service center to assist contractors through the verification and review process.
Timeline
Oct 7, 2026: CMS announced program dates and opened the customer service center.
Dec 1, 2026: Registration opens for providers.
Jan 5, 2027: The competitive bidding window opens.
March 10, 2027: The competitive bidding window closes.
Jan 1, 2028: Round 2028 contracts and payment amounts take effect.
Market Landscape
This schedule continues the established regulatory cycle of the Medicare Competitive Bidding Program. By setting firm dates for registration and bidding, CMS maintains its standardized approach to controlling costs for durable medical equipment.
Operators should immediately review the seven affected product categories to determine if their current catalog qualifies for bidding. Ensure your registration credentials are ready before the December 1, 2026, opening to avoid potential exclusion from the 2028 Medicare network.
The takeaway
Understanding these bidding windows is critical for maintaining consistent cash flow through Medicare reimbursements. Ensure your administrative team documents the key dates in the 2026 and 2027 calendar to manage the required review and notification cycles.
Further reading
For more on evolving federal reimbursement rules, visit our Healthcare section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by HME Business.
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