VGM & ASSOCIATESHealthcare MSO
Full Menu Search

[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. 

MMM at CarePro"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.”  

Message Your Representative

Get Connected

Stay up-to-date on the latest resources and news provided by VGM & Associates.

Sign Up for Email

From Our Experts

Mike Hamilton Of ADMEA Honored With The Mal Mixon Advocate Award thumbnail Mike Hamilton Of ADMEA Honored With The Mal Mixon Advocate Award Last week, during the 2025 AAHomecare Washington Legislative Conference, Mike Hamilton, Executive Director of ADMEA, was honored with the prestigious Mal Mixon Advocate Award. VGM Senior Leaders Engage in Advocacy at AAHomecare Legislative Conference thumbnail VGM Senior Leaders Engage in Advocacy at AAHomecare Legislative Conference This week, VGM leaders attended the AAHomecare Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C., a premier event dedicated to advancing healthcare policy and advocacy. AAHomecare provided attendees with valuable insights, equipping them with key discussion points and strategies for effective meetings with legislators. Champion of Change: Paula Vineyard of Elana Health & Loop Medical Leads Healthcare Advocacy in West Virginia thumbnail Champion of Change: Paula Vineyard of Elana Health & Loop Medical Leads Healthcare Advocacy in West Virginia On Thursday, May 8, Paula Vineyard, owner of Elana Health & Loop Medical, took a pivotal step in healthcare advocacy by hosting a meeting with Tyler Ohrn, Field Representative for Congresswoman Carol Miller of West Virginia's First District. The hour-long discussion centered on the pressing need for congressional support of H.R. 2005. Manufacturer Survey On Tariffs thumbnail Manufacturer Survey On Tariffs The American Association for Homecare and VGM Group are seeking valuable insights from durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS) manufacturers and vendor partners regarding tariffs imposed on certain countries. Key Payers Denied Your Application Citing Their Network Is Closed – Now What? thumbnail Key Payers Denied Your Application Citing Their Network Is Closed – Now What? This experience has increasingly become one of the most common questions we receive from our provider members as more and more payers move to narrow their provider networks. The reasons payers seek to narrow their networks are simple. Payers are highly motivated to achieve their goals while doing less work and are not required to allow providers into their networks unless there is a patient access issue. For those of you fortunate enough to be a part of a narrow network, this may not be much of Congress Returns: Medicaid Cuts Take Center Stage thumbnail Congress Returns: Medicaid Cuts Take Center Stage Congress is back in session after a two-week recess. Number one on the docket is figuring out the budget. The house is tasked with coming up with a $1.5 trillion reduction and a key committee is in the spotlight. The DMEPOS Relief Act Of 2025 – WE NEED YOUR HELP! thumbnail The DMEPOS Relief Act Of 2025 – WE NEED YOUR HELP! The DMEPOS Relief Act of 2025 (or H.R. 2005) is bipartisan legislation that was recently introduced in Congress designed to increase reimbursement for a large percentage of HME providers across the country. This bill establishes a higher reimbursement rate (known as the 75/25 blended rate) for durable medical equipment in nonrural/noncompetitive bidding areas under Medicare until Dec. 31, 2025. Champion Of Change: Lauryn Estrella Speaks On Tariffs Impacting HME Providers And Patients thumbnail Champion Of Change: Lauryn Estrella Speaks On Tariffs Impacting HME Providers And Patients Today, we shine a spotlight on Lauryn Estrella, the dedicated Executive Director of Home Medical Equipment and Services Association of New England (HOMES) and a true Champion of Change in the HME industry.

Give your business an advantage over the competition.

Become a Member