Competitive Bidding


AAHomecare’s Tom Ryan Praises DMEPOS Relief Act of 2023

Rallying support for H.R. 5555 will be a priority, the association said.

Podcast

Whither Competitive Bidding Round 2024?

Kim Brummett of AAHomecare breaks down how the next round of competitive bidding might play out, what CMS might do, and where the program might be headed in the future.

abstract covid virus graphic

Business Solutions

15th Annual Big 10

Once again, we proofile 10 trends that will shape the HME industry this year. The far-reaching impact of Covid-19 is undeniable, but it’s not the only factor that will define 2022.

CBIC, CMS Launch Redesigned CBIC Website

The new site offers a more mobile-compatible design and improved aesthetics to help users navigate competitive bidding information.

CMS Releases More Details on Round 2021 Bids

Analysis from AAHomecare shows a large portion of the bids were for the 13 removed categories and came from first-time bidders.

David Kopf

Editor's Note

Competitive Bidding's Forever Pause

What's the situation with Round 2021 of competitive bidding and what does it mean for pharmacies serving DMEPOS beneficiaries?

lungs

Breathe Easy?

COVID-19 has strained America’s oxygen infrastructure like nothing before. What factors are impacting supply and demand, and how are stakeholders responding? What other factors are impacting the oxygen market at the same time?

COVID-19

Business Solutions

14th Annual Big 10

It’s time again for our annual Big 10 list of trends affecting HME now and in the months to come, but this year is different due to the far-reaching COVID-19 public health emergency. See what will impact the industry as we roll into 2021.

CMS Releases Round 2021 Bid Data

The Round 2021 bids show increases for lead items in most areas compared to the 2020 fee schedule, while bids for non-lead items show mixed results. CMS opted not to award contracts for 13 categories in late October.

Senate Passes Manual CRT Protections

Upper chamber approves spending bill containing provisions that protect Manual CRT wheelchairs and accessories from competitive bidding. Bill goes to President to be signed into law.



House Upvotes Spending Bill Containing CRT Language

House up-votes spending package, which protects manual CRT wheelchairs and accessories. Now the appropriations bill, which must pass by Dec. 20, moves to the Senate. Providers still need to help the effort.

Podcast

Your Action Plan for the Dec. 20 HME Advocacy Push

Providers have until Dec. 20 to gain co-sponsors for industry legislation that could get attached to a year-end spending bill. What do they need to do?

CMS Requests Comments from Public for Bidding Survey

The agency is requesting comments on how it should conduct a survey of DMEPOS stakeholders about its competitive bidding program. Deadline is Dec. 20, but AAHomecare has offered resources to help stakeholders act fast.

CBIC Releases Round 2021 Preliminary Bid Evaluations

If a provider receives a PBE letter that identifies any deficiencies, it must respond to the PBE in Connexion by Dec. 17.

Providers Urged to Advocate for HME Bills

A pending government funding bill offers opportunity to include language from four pieces of industry legislation. AAHomecare’s Tom Ryan says a provider push for co-sponsors before Dec. 20 is “critical.”

David Kopf

Editor's Note

Truly Misguided Decision-Making

CMS is doubling down on including non-invasive vents in Round 2021. How is the HME industry responding? How can you help?

AAHomecare Leads Pre-Thanksgiving Push For Ventilator Legislation

The SMART Act’s number of co-sponsors has grown to 15 since it was introduced in late October; association urges providers to drive more backers ahead of Congressional recess.

New House Bill Would Delay Inclusion of Ventilators in Competitive Bidding

The newly introduced SMART Act would keep ventilators out of bidding for five years, create an expert panel to advise HHS on ventilator coverage policies.

Podcast

Non-Invasive Ventilator Legislation on the Way

After CMS Administrator’s response to a Congressional sign-on letter failed to address various industry concerns, the industry and Congressional champions forge a legislative response.

CMS Responds to House Letter on Non-Invasive Vents

Agency fails to address the core issue of the service levels required by these devices and the vulnerable patients using them. The stage is set of a legislative response.

HME Business Podcast