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

Jeremy Stolz and Industry Leaders Collaborate with Representative Cathy McMorris-Rodgers to Enhance Healthcare System thumbnail Jeremy Stolz and Industry Leaders Collaborate with Representative Cathy McMorris-Rodgers to Enhance Healthcare System Jeremy Stolz, President of VGM & Associates and VGM Fulfillment, joined forces with fellow industry leaders in a momentous meeting with Representative Cathy McMorris-Rodgers (R-WA) on Aug. 17, 2023, in Sun Valley, ID. Uncovering Denials: OIG Reports Reveal Alarming Trends in Medicaid Managed Care Plans thumbnail Uncovering Denials: OIG Reports Reveal Alarming Trends in Medicaid Managed Care Plans In 2022, the OIG released a report outlining their findings which concluded that Medicare Advantage plans were routinely denying authorizations requests and claims for items that would be covered by traditional Medicare Fee For Service (FFS). Understanding the 75/25 Blended Rate and Why We Need Legislative Action! thumbnail Understanding the 75/25 Blended Rate and Why We Need Legislative Action! In 2020, amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the healthcare industry witnessed the introduction of the 75/25 blended rate through the passage of the CARES Act. Craig Douglas and Ronda Buhrmester recently released a podcast going into a deep explanation of the 75/25 blended rate and why keeping them in place is so important. Read the article and listen to the podcast to learn more! Ronda Vlog: Make it a Priority - A Plea to Check Surety Bonds thumbnail Ronda Vlog: Make it a Priority - A Plea to Check Surety Bonds Listen below, Ronda Buhrmester, Sr. Director of Payer Relations and Reimbursement, makes a plea for everyone to check their surety bonds before it is too late. August of Action: Making an Impact on Legislation thumbnail August of Action: Making an Impact on Legislation With summer coming to an end, the political landscape is heating up with August of Action in full swing. Advocates and activists across the nation are seizing the opportunity to engage with their legislators as they are home in their congressional districts. Find out how VGM Government Relations is kicking off our August of Action! August of Action is Fast Approaching - Act Now! thumbnail August of Action is Fast Approaching - Act Now! Every year, the House of Representatives and the Senate take a break for most of August and the first part of September, allowing elected officials to return to their home constituencies. It's a crucial time to connect with your legislators and schedule meetings to inform and update them on the current issues in the home medical equipment (HME) industry. A Win for Patients in Washington State thumbnail A Win for Patients in Washington State As we approach the effective date of numerous laws passed by the Legislature this year, we want to extend our appreciation to Don Whitney, PAMES, and all those involved in the relentless efforts to get SB 5218 passed. With the dedicated sponsorship of 4th District Sen. Mike Padden, this law marks a significant step forward in making motorized wheelchairs more accessible for everyone. Once More Unto the Breach thumbnail Once More Unto the Breach In this article, John Gallagher highlights the significance of state associations' grassroots efforts in building strong relationships with lawmakers to achieve positive outcomes for the DME industry. This in turn helps pass key legislation, such as S. 1294. Read here for what else Gallagher said.

Give your business an advantage over the competition.

Become a Member