How to Become a Medicare Vendor

Medicare makes direct payments to medical providers and suppliers on behalf of patients. Medical vendors often take advantage of the steady income and customer base that comes with accepting Medicare payments. Although Medicare is a federal program, states are responsible for enrolling and providing claims administration for vendors operating within them. Each state handles Medicare enrollment and claims from providers and vendors through third-party contractors, but new vendors can enroll in Medicare by using the uniform online application.

Instructions

• 1

  Get a National Provider Identifier from the National Plan and Provider Enumeration System website. On the homepage, click "National Provider Identifier" and select "Apply for NPI" on the next page. Read the information about applying for a NPI online and click "Begin Application." Make an account by entering a username and password. Click the "Next" icon and begin the application. Give information about your medical supply business and click "Submit." You will receive your NPI by email within two weeks of submitting the application.

• 2

  Go to the Medicare Provider Enrollment, Chain and Ownership System (PECOS) website. Use your NPPES user ID and password to log in to PECOS. Click "New Enrollment" to start the application. Follow the application prompts to complete the questions regarding your what you sell, how you sell it and any previous criminal or civil legal issues. Review your answers and click "Submit." Print the Certification Statement PECOS provides at the end of the application.

• 3

  Sign and date the Certification Statement, make a copy for your records, and mail the original to the contractor your state Medicare works with to handle provider and vendor enrollment and claims. You must send the statement within seven days of applying for enrollment. Wait up to 45 days for the contractor to process your application and send notice of your approval as a Medicare vendor.