CMS Removes Non-Invasive Ventilators From Round 2021 Of The Competitive Bidding Program

Published in Member Communities on April 10, 2020

CMS announced today that due to the novel COVID-19 pandemic, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is removing the non-invasive ventilators (NIV) product category from Round 2021 of the Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding Program. This was the first time that NIVs were included in the Competitive Bidding Program.

Clint Geffert, President of VGM & Associates, commented on the announcement saying, "This is a great start and gets us headed in the right direction. Removing NIVs from the Competitive Bidding Program helps maintain access to critical, complex equipment. DME suppliers can now have peace of mind as they navigate this PHE and beyond. Thank you to everyone and their efforts over the past year to help make this happen. This was a team effort as an industry united together to listen to all of our members' needs."

Click here to read the announcement.

From Our Experts

VGM Heartland Conference 2026 Call for Speakers Now Open thumbnail VGM Heartland Conference 2026 Call for Speakers Now Open VGM is now accepting proposals from prospective speakers for its annual Heartland Conference, taking place June 8-10, 2026. Proposals are due Dec. 15, 2025. Angie McClure Joins Leadership Team of VGM & Associates thumbnail Angie McClure Joins Leadership Team of VGM & Associates VGM & Associates is excited to announce that Angie McClure has joined the Corporate Accounts team as Senior Vice President of Corporate Accounts. Stakeholders ‘Set Tone' for CRT Priorities thumbnail Stakeholders ‘Set Tone' for CRT Priorities At the CRT Fly-In, stakeholders united to strengthen relationships with lawmakers, discuss key legislative priorities, & advocate for essential reforms in CRT. Wheelchair Seating Policy Specific ICD10 NO Longer Required thumbnail Wheelchair Seating Policy Specific ICD10 NO Longer Required Effective Oct. 1, 2025, Medicare removed the ICD-10 requirement for skin protection and positioning cushions and backs. Enhance HME Training with Microlearning Solutions thumbnail Enhance HME Training with Microlearning Solutions Discover how microlearning can transform training in the home medical equipment industry, improving compliance, engagement, and performance with VGM Education. CMS Proposed Rule: What It Means To O&P Providers thumbnail CMS Proposed Rule: What It Means To O&P Providers Watch this update from VGM's Melanie Ewald, VP of Payer Relations and Reimbursement, on the potential impact of the CMS proposed rule on O&P providers. Ronda's Reflections: Four Hot Topics Affecting the DME Industry thumbnail Ronda's Reflections: Four Hot Topics Affecting the DME Industry Read about upcoming NCD implementations, oxygen equipment audits, lymphedema compression garment compliance, and PTAN billing tips. A Letter from the President: Planning with Purpose thumbnail A Letter from the President: Planning with Purpose As we turn the calendar to October, I imagine many of you are taking a deep breath, looking at what's left of 2025, and asking, “How do we finish strong?”