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

Keeping You at the Center in a Complex and Artificial World thumbnail Keeping You at the Center in a Complex and Artificial World VGM President Lindy Tentinger shares how keeping people at the center is guiding VGM's evolution, strengthening connections, and simplifying the customer experience. 2026 National Health Expenditure Data Update thumbnail 2026 National Health Expenditure Data Update The 2026 National Health Expenditure Data Update examines how DME spending growth aligns with the shift toward home-based care and value-based healthcare. Digging into Denials: Stop Fixing Denials and Start Preventing Them thumbnail Digging into Denials: Stop Fixing Denials and Start Preventing Them Learn how HME providers can reduce recurring denials by identifying workflow, payer, authorization, and documentation issues before they impact reimbursement. Telling the Patient's Story Through NIV Documentation thumbnail Telling the Patient's Story Through NIV Documentation Under CMS's new policy, NIV documentation requires more than a diagnosis. Learn key strategies for medical necessity, compliance, and reimbursement. Telling the Patient's Story Through NIV Documentation thumbnail Telling the Patient's Story Through NIV Documentation Under CMS's new policy, NIV documentation requires more than a diagnosis. Learn key strategies for medical necessity, compliance, and reimbursement. What the Numotion/Hanger Merger Could Mean for CRT and O&P Providers thumbnail What the Numotion/Hanger Merger Could Mean for CRT and O&P Providers Read what the proposed Numotion/Hanger merger could mean for CRT and O&P providers from VGM's SVP of Membership, Tyler Mahncke. What the Numotion/Hanger Merger Could Mean for CRT and O&P Providers thumbnail What the Numotion/Hanger Merger Could Mean for CRT and O&P Providers Read what the proposed Numotion/Hanger merger could mean for CRT and O&P providers from VGM's SVP of Membership, Tyler Mahncke. Turning Unmet OSA Need Into Measurable Referral Growth thumbnail Turning Unmet OSA Need Into Measurable Referral Growth Discover strategies for HME providers to convert undiagnosed OSA into referral growth by enhancing PCP relationships and improving patient care outcomes.