Heavy hitters weigh in on non-invasive vents
By HME News Staff
Updated Wed May 29, 2019
WASHINGTON - A coalition of patient organizations “implores” HHS and CMS to permanently exclude non-invasive ventilators from the competitive bidding program.
“Patients who require NIV should not have to rely upon the lowest bidder to receive the life-sustaining complex services ad equipment necessary to remain in their homes and communities,” states the letter. “We implore you to permanently exclude ventilators from competitive bidding to protect the fragile and vulnerable Medicare and Medicaid populations who rely on these life-sustaining devices.”
The letter is signed by nearly two dozen groups, including the ALS Association, the American Association for Respiratory Care, the American Lung Association, CHEST/American College of Physicians and the United Spinal Association.
The letter is in addition to Congressional sign-on letters circulating in the House of Representatives and the Senate.
CMS announced in March that non-invasive vents were one of the 16 product categories to be included in Round 2021. The bid window for the program opens July 16.
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