[BREAKING NEWS] The DMEPOS Relief Act of 2023 is Introduced in the House

Published in Government Relations on September 19, 2023

New legislation was introduced by Representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA) and Paul Tonko (D-NY). H.R. 5555, The DMEPOS Relief Act of 2023, provides a 90/10 blended Medicare reimbursement rate (90% adjusted payment rate/10% unadjusted fee schedule rate) for most home medical equipment products in competitive bidding areas (CBAs), effective Jan. 1, 2024, through Dec. 31, 2024. There is also language in section 3 of the legislation to extend the current 75/25 blended rate in effect for non-rural/non-CBA suppliers through 2024. 

"We appreciate Rep. Miller-Meeks for her unwavering commitment to improving healthcare access for our seniors," said Danielle Schwiebert, Executive Director, CarePro Health Services. "The legislation for the DMEPOS Relief Act is a significant step forward in ensuring that vital medical equipment and services remain accessible to those who need them most. At CarePro Health Services, we stand in strong support of this initiative, as it aligns perfectly with our mission to provide high-quality care and support to our patients."

None of this would have been possible without the dedicated efforts of MAMES and the other state associations, VGM Government Relations, and AAHomecare. Their tireless work in building grassroots relationships and advocating for this legislation has been instrumental in its introduction. Pictured above is Rep. Miller-Meeks at CarePro, a great example of grassroots in action. This also demonstrates the immense power of grassroots initiatives in driving legislative change. Through their tenacity and unwavering commitment, they have shown how meaningful connections with communities can lead to tangible improvements in healthcare accessibility. 

"We are so grateful for Rep. Miller-Meeks’ recognition of the critical need to extend relief for the HME industry,” said Rose Schafhauser, Executive Director, MAMES. “We appreciate her proactive stance in introducing this legislation in the House, a move that will empower our members in the Midwest to continue improving their communities.” 

“This is a great first step, and we are thankful for Rep. Miller-Meeks and her leadership, and we are thankful to our members for their work thus far,” said Mike Isaacson, SVP of Government Relations, VGM & Associates. “However, there is still a great deal of work to be done. Now is the time to double down on our efforts. We need all our members to reach out to their representatives and ask for their support on this bill. This will take an industry focus to get H.R. 5555 across the finish line.”  

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