Congress Passes, President Signs Continuing Resolution

Published in Government Relations on December 23, 2024

As you know by now, Congress passed a Continuing Resolution (CR) to keep the government operating for another three months. Signed by President Joe Biden, this resolution will only fund critical government operations through March 31, 2025. 

Despite the amazing work by members, vendor partners, and our other industry partners, VGM was disappointed that the DME Relief bill (H.R. 5555) was not included in the CR. This bill would have extended the 75/25 reimbursement blend for non-rural areas.  

There was a bit of good news for the industry as the telehealth flexibilities that came from the PHI/Covid days were extended through the CR. This extension removes the geographic requirements and expands originating sites for telehealth as well as expanding the list of practitioners eligible to provide telehealth services. For our PT/OT partners, this applies to face-to-face LMCP, specialty wheelchair evaluations for mobility products. 

So, what about the DME Relief? 

We need to continue our pressure to have our DME Relief included in this last package. Reach out to your representative and senator today and every day to make sure they understand the importance this relief has on your ability to serve your community. We MUST continue to fight for our industry, our businesses, and all of those that depend on us for their healthcare and their independence. VGM is proud to be right here with you, fighting every day! 

Take a few moments now to follow this link to make your voice heard! Ask your congressperson to support and push for the inclusion of DME Relief (H.R. 5555) in the final package! 

From Our Experts

Invite Your Federal Legislator to the CRT Product Expo in Washington, D.C. thumbnail Invite Your Federal Legislator to the CRT Product Expo in Washington, D.C. During the upcoming NCART/iNRRTS U.S. Rehab Legislative Conference, NCART and U.S. Rehab will host a Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) Product Expo on May 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in Washington, D.C. This Expo is a valuable opportunity for members of Congress and their staff to see firsthand how CRT products impact independence, mobility, and quality of life for individuals with disabilities. Network Bidding Opens New Path for Small DMEPOS Suppliers thumbnail Network Bidding Opens New Path for Small DMEPOS Suppliers CMS released a new FAQ clarifying that small DMEPOS suppliers may form networks to collectively meet licensure, accreditation, and enrollment requirements for the next round of the Competitive Bidding Program. This guidance creates a new pathway for small suppliers to compete, with additional education and networking support available through VGM initiatives. VGM Group Highlights Value of DMEPOS Industry and Commends Efforts to Protect Patients and Communities thumbnail VGM Group Highlights Value of DMEPOS Industry and Commends Efforts to Protect Patients and Communities VGM Group continues to underscore the effectiveness and efficiency of the Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) industry and its critical role across the healthcare continuum. The services and support provided by DMEPOS suppliers not only enhance patient outcomes and strengthen community health, but do so in a cost-effective manner that delivers meaningful savings to the healthcare system. Thank You for Attending ‘What's Ahead for the DME Industry'. Recording Now Available. thumbnail Thank You for Attending ‘What's Ahead for the DME Industry'. Recording Now Available. Thank you for joining VGM Group's Ike Isaacson and AAHomecare's Jay Witter legislative update webinar. With significant movement at the federal level, we appreciated the opportunity to share the latest developments, emerging challenges, and what suppliers should be watching right now. WEBINAR: Current Legislative Update – What's Ahead for the DME Industry thumbnail WEBINAR: Current Legislative Update – What's Ahead for the DME Industry Join VGM Group's Ike Isaacson and AAHomecare's Jay Witter for a timely legislative update on the issues shaping the DME industry. With significant movement at the federal level, this session will break down the latest developments, emerging challenges, and what suppliers should be watching right now. Meet the Candidates: Rob Sand, Iowa State Auditor and Gubernatorial Candidate, Visits VGM thumbnail Meet the Candidates: Rob Sand, Iowa State Auditor and Gubernatorial Candidate, Visits VGM On Thursday, April 16, VGM Group welcomed Iowa State Auditor and gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand to its headquarters as part of VGM's Meet the Candidates series. VGM Government Relations Participates in the Iowa Center for Employee Ownership's (IA-CEO) Day at the Capitol thumbnail VGM Government Relations Participates in the Iowa Center for Employee Ownership's (IA-CEO) Day at the Capitol Alongside Amber Brauner, VGM Group's Compensation and Retirement Director, Adam Miller, Vice President of VGM Government Relations, joined numerous employee owners and advocates from employee-owned businesses (ESOPs) across Iowa for a panel discussion with several state legislators and Iowa's Lieutenant Governor. CMS Updates FAQ On Competitive Bidding Program thumbnail CMS Updates FAQ On Competitive Bidding Program On April 2, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a new FAQ, inclusive of 24 new questions and answers, on the next round of DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program (CBP) via CBIC, the official information source for bidders and focal point for bidder education.