These surety bonds are general for all states.
Learn more about DMEPOS bonds, and apply today. Single Source Insurance offers surety bonds nationwide through a convenient online application system.
In 2009, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) decided to do something to help prevent fraudulent medical billing by healthcare providers. One of the biggest areas of billing fraud was in durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies, or DMEPOS. Most companies providing such items must post a $50,000 surety bond before they can bill Medicare. A DMEPOS bond protects Medicare against financial loss resulting from illegal practices such as fraudulent billing.
With few exceptions other than sole proprietorships, every company providing durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and other supplies to Medicare patients must first purchase a DMEPOS bond.
You should be aware that there are accreditation requirements in addition to the bonding requirement that must be met before a DMEPOS supplier can begin billing Medicare. Physical and occupational therapists in private practice can obtain an exemption if they meet certain criteria.
As the agency requiring the bond, CMS is the obligee. The supplier required to purchase the bond is the principal, and the company that underwrites and issues the bond is the surety. CMS can file claims against the bond to recoup financial losses due to fraudulent billing. After determining the validity of a claim and paying it, the surety will recover the claim amount from the principal.
CMS requires a $50,000 bond amount for each DMEPOS supplier. However, suppliers maintaining multiple locations will need $50,000 of coverage for each location that has a separate National Provider Identifier (NPI).
Suppliers with a record of certain adverse actions in the previous ten years will also be required to maintain a higher bond amount. Some example of these include having had Medicare billing privileges revoked, a license suspended or revoked, having been convicted of a felony, or excluded from a federal/state healthcare program.
Applicants with good credit will typically pay anywhere from less than one percent to about 2% of the bond amount as the annual premium. Applicants with credit issues will pay a higher premium rate.
Use our convenient online system to apply for a DMEPOS bond today.
DMEPOS bonds provide several benefits for healthcare providers. They help prevent fraudulent billing by requiring suppliers to purchase a bond, which acts as a financial guarantee. This incentivizes suppliers to comply with CMS regulations and maintain proper billing practices.
Additionally, DMEPOS bonds protect Medicare and Medicaid programs from losses due to supplier misconduct. If a claim is paid and determined to be fraudulent, the surety can recover the claim amount from the supplier, minimizing the financial impact on government healthcare programs.
Providers required to obtain a DMEPOS bond must purchase a minimum of $50,000 in coverage for each location with a separate National Provider Identifier (NPI). The cost of the bond is typically a small percentage of the total coverage amount, and it may be eligible for inclusion in Medicare reimbursement rates.
To apply for a DMEPOS bond, providers can work with a surety bond company that specializes in healthcare-related bonds. The application process typically involves providing information about the provider's business, financial history, and any relevant licenses or certifications.
