Member Q&A From Craig Douglas: Round 2021 of Competitive Bidding

Published in Member Communities on March 02, 2020

Q: "How is Round 2021 of Competitive Bidding going to impact my non-Medicare business, and what should I be doing now to prepare for those changes that are coming next year?"

A: Without question, Round 2021 of Competitive Bidding (CB) will be the single largest force that will shift and shape the reimbursement landscape for DMEPOS suppliers in the foreseeable future for almost any DMEPOS supplier in the United States. Whether you conduct your business in a Competitive Bidding Area (CBA), a non-CB area, or a rural area, this upcoming round of CB will impact you, for better or worse. For many providers, these changes will not only impact their Medicare business, but their business with third-party payers as well. Providers need to review and familiarize themselves with the contract language of their existing payer agreements and to see which contracts have reimbursement rates that are tied to the Medicare fee schedule, how they are tied to Medicare, etc., so they are better prepared for the changes that are coming in 2021. VGM has developed some tools that will help providers better prepare themselves for these upcoming changes. 

If you have any questions, reach out to Craig Douglas at (877) 218-2825 or craig.douglas@vgm.com, and be sure to stay tuned for information regarding upcoming tools and webinars about this topic!

From Our Experts

VGM Expands Expertise with Industry Consultants thumbnail VGM Expands Expertise with Industry Consultants VGM & Associates is excited to announce the expansion of its VGM Professional Services team with the addition of Steve Baker, Brian Bersano, & Tonya Williams. A Data-Driven Approach to Unlocking Growth in the HME Industry thumbnail A Data-Driven Approach to Unlocking Growth in the HME Industry Discover how to enhance your HME business growth with data-driven strategies with actionable tools and resources. VGM & Associates Launches “IM: Unfiltered” Podcast Series thumbnail VGM & Associates Launches “IM: Unfiltered” Podcast Series VGM & Associates is proud to announce the launch of its new podcast series, IM: Unfiltered, created with members of the VGM community in mind. This dynamic new series delivers candid conversations, expert insights, and timely updates that matter most to home medical equipment (HME) providers. Expanding Your DME Offerings for Breastfeeding Awareness Month thumbnail Expanding Your DME Offerings for Breastfeeding Awareness Month Discover how DME providers can celebrate Breastfeeding Awareness Month in August 2025 by expanding their offerings to include mother/baby products. Key Insights from MedPAC's July Data Book for DME Providers thumbnail Key Insights from MedPAC's July Data Book for DME Providers Learn about the evolving Medicare landscape, the impact of an aging population, and the shift towards home healthcare from MedPAC's July 2025 Data Book. Announcing the Finalists for the 2025 O&P Woman of the Year Award thumbnail Announcing the Finalists for the 2025 O&P Woman of the Year Award OPGA is thrilled to announce the finalists for the 2025 O&P Woman of the Year Award. These remarkable women will be honored during the AOPA National Assembly, taking place on Thursday, Sept. 4, at 9:50 a.m. in the Product Preview Theater (PPT) within the exhibit hall. Revolutionizing Independent Living: How Smart Home Technologies Are Reshaping Accessibility thumbnail Revolutionizing Independent Living: How Smart Home Technologies Are Reshaping Accessibility As the global population ages and the demand for accessible housing accelerates, smart home technologies are emerging as essential tools, not just for convenience, but for safety, autonomy, and well-being. Today's smart products, like Autoslide's automatic door systems and Yale's smart locks, are more than gadgets. They are assistive technologies designed to empower people with limited mobility. A Quick Guide to the New NCD for Non-Invasive Positive Pressure Ventilation thumbnail A Quick Guide to the New NCD for Non-Invasive Positive Pressure Ventilation Discover the key changes in Medicare's new NCD for non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) for chronic respiratory failure due to COPD.