On April 17, 2009, CMS announced that it is not further delaying implementation of its January 16, 2009 interim final rule with comment period making changes to the Medicare durable medical equipment, prosthetic, orthotics and supplies (DMEPOS) competitive bidding program. The effective date of the rule had previously been delayed from February 17, 2009 until April 18, 2009 to give HHS officials the opportunity for further review of the issues of law and policy raised by the rule.  CMS notes that its decision to allow the rule to go into effect will have “no immediate effect on the Medicare DMEPOS benefit and Medicare beneficiaries may continue to use their current DMEPOS suppliers at this time.” CMS will be issuing future guidance on the timeline for the Round 1 re-bid, which must take place in 2009 under the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008.