Walgreens selected by CMS to be an enteral nutrition provider in most competitive-bidding areas

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Beginning July 1, Walgreens will serve as a Medicare Contract Supplier by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to provide services to Medicare beneficiaries requiring enteral nutrition (i.e., tube feeding) in 97 of 100 competitive-bidding areas nationwide, the pharmacy operator recently announced. 

“We’re pleased to have been chosen to continue to serve Medicare beneficiaries in competitive bidding areas coast to coast,” stated Paul Mastrapa, president of Walgreens Infusion and Respiratory Services. “Walgreens is well-positioned to continue making a meaningful difference in patient lives by delivering high-quality, personalized patient care. Walgreens has high rates of patient satisfaction and safety.”

The competitive bidding program launched the first nine metropolitan areas in 2011 and is expanding to 91 more areas beginning July 1. Requirements for the bidding program were established by the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003 and modified based on the subsequent Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010. The contracts will be up for re-bid every three years. Those awarded the bids must comply with Medicare enrollment rules, be licensed and accredited and meet financial standards, Walgreens noted.

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