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

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. VGM Group Submits Comments on CMS-6098-NC Request for Information (RFI) Related to Comprehensive Regulations to Uncover Suspicious Healthcare (CRUSH). thumbnail VGM Group Submits Comments on CMS-6098-NC Request for Information (RFI) Related to Comprehensive Regulations to Uncover Suspicious Healthcare (CRUSH). The comments reflect VGM Group's support of CMS' goal of strengthening program integrity and shares CMS' commitment to protecting Medicare beneficiaries and taxpayer dollars from fraud, waste, and abuse. DME suppliers already operate in a highly regulated environment and have a direct interest in ensuring that anti-fraud initiatives are precisely targeted, data driven, and operationally feasible, so that legitimate suppliers can continue to serve beneficiaries without unnecessary disruption. Call To Action - Access to Power Seat Elevation on Standard PWCs Threatened thumbnail Call To Action - Access to Power Seat Elevation on Standard PWCs Threatened As reported by NCART: Do you use, recommend or provide power seat elevation for individuals with any of the diagnoses below? If so, and you answer YES to any of the questions below, it is important for Medicare to hear your story in writing by midnight on Saturday, April 4 at PMDRecon@noridian.com. Florida Becomes First State To Follow Medicare; Issues A Six-month Moratorium On DMEPOS Suppliers Enrolling In Medicaid thumbnail Florida Becomes First State To Follow Medicare; Issues A Six-month Moratorium On DMEPOS Suppliers Enrolling In Medicaid As reported by The van Halem Group: On Thursday, March 26, 2026, the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) issued a temporary moratorium on enrollment of new Medicaid providers for Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS). CMS Rule Phases Out Fax Machines, Snail Mail to Save Taxpayers $781.98 Million a Year thumbnail CMS Rule Phases Out Fax Machines, Snail Mail to Save Taxpayers $781.98 Million a Year As reported by CMS: “The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is slashing wasteful spending and antiquated paperwork by swapping out faxing and mailing for streamlined electronic transactions. This action lets providers spend less time on administrative hassle and more time caring for patients. PAMES Raises Critical Concerns Over Sole-Source Supply Shift thumbnail PAMES Raises Critical Concerns Over Sole-Source Supply Shift PAMES and DME suppliers across Washington are taking an important stand on behalf of both providers and patients. The Tacoma Daily Index recently reported on the state's plan to move to a sole-source contract for incontinence and urological supplies. Under this decision, the Health Care Authority intends to transition all Medicaid recipients to receiving these products from a single vendor. SBA Advocacy: Your Input Matters thumbnail SBA Advocacy: Your Input Matters Make your voice heard about how the CBP has affected your business.