CAP Bidding Suspended

August 5 – CMS has suspended the CAP vendor bidding process and announced that CAP drug delivery is not expected to begin until July 2006. The comment period for the CAP interim final rule has not been suspended. CMS is seeking ways to improve the efficiency and attractiveness of the CAP. The bidding process will open to vendors following the release of a final rule later this year. ASH continues to monitor development of this new Medicare program and will submit comments to CMS. Please contact ASH Practice Advocacy Manager Pamela Ferraro at 202-776-0544 if you have questions.

The CAP Web site is available at: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/providers/drugs/compbid/default.asp

The interim final rule may be viewed at: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/providers/drugs/compbid/default.asp

ASH’s comments on the proposed rule may be viewed at: http://www.hematology.org/images/pdf/cap_letter.pdf