VGM & ASSOCIATESHealthcare MSO
Full Menu Search

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! 

Get Connected

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

Sign Up for Email

From Our Experts

MAMES Succeeds In Improving Coverage For Breast Pumps And Lactation Services In Nebraska thumbnail MAMES Succeeds In Improving Coverage For Breast Pumps And Lactation Services In Nebraska MAMES has successfully advocated for enhanced coverage of breast pumps and lactation services in Nebraska. Working closely with the Medicaid Director, MAMES ensured the implementation of these changes would be effective and beneficial. The new coverage aligns with other Medicaid programs in the Midwest. A Tribute to John Gallagher: A Journey of Dedication and Memories thumbnail A Tribute to John Gallagher: A Journey of Dedication and Memories When I started working for John Gallagher 12 years ago, I often heard the phrase, “baptism by fire.” I quickly learned what that meant. At the time, the team consisted of John Gallagher, Mark Higley, and Tom Powers, and they were all constantly on the road. I would get a phone call from John saying, “The ESRD was just released, look it up and write up a summary, we need to get this to our members ASAP. I'm hopping on a plane…get it out before the end of the day.” Rep Mariannette Miller-Meeks Introduces The Veterans Supporting Prosthetics Opportunities and Recreational Therapy (“SPORT”) Act thumbnail Rep Mariannette Miller-Meeks Introduces The Veterans Supporting Prosthetics Opportunities and Recreational Therapy (“SPORT”) Act Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa), who, along with proving to be a champion of DMEPOS related legislation, serves as chair on the House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Health. Recently she introduced H.R. 9478, The Veterans Supporting Prosthetics Opportunities and Recreational Therapy (“SPORT”) Act. Breaking: Year-End Package Update thumbnail Breaking: Year-End Package Update As lawmakers race to avert a government shutdown ahead of this Friday's deadline, we have learned that the provision to reinstate and extend the 75/25 blended rate will not be included in the proposed continuing resolution that is expected to fund the federal government until March 14, 2025. Despite exhaustive bipartisan efforts from all reaches of the HME community, including providers and stakeholders, there was not enough support to get it included in the package. CMS Releases CPI-U Adjustments For DMEPOS In 2025 And Fee Schedule Q1 thumbnail CMS Releases CPI-U Adjustments For DMEPOS In 2025 And Fee Schedule Q1 The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) adjustments for the Calendar Year 2025 Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) fee schedule. BREAKING – Rep. Guthrie Tapped To Lead Energy And Commerce Committee thumbnail BREAKING – Rep. Guthrie Tapped To Lead Energy And Commerce Committee The House Republican Steering Committee recommended Rep. Brett Guthrie (R-KY) on Monday to be the next chairman of the Energy And Commerce Committee. The Energy And Commerce Committee has jurisdiction over a broad range of policy issues and federal departments, including healthcare, the Department Of Energy, the Food And Drug Administration, and more. Guthrie has sat on five of the panel's six subcommittees and is chair of its health subcommittee. Action Needed: Support DME Legislation As The 118th Congress Concludes thumbnail Action Needed: Support DME Legislation As The 118th Congress Concludes As the 118th Congress draws to a close, we urgently need your help. Congressional negotiations are currently underway to determine the scope of end-of-year health and budget legislation. We are optimistic that the DME Legislation (H.R. 5555 and S. 1294) will be included in the final legislative package, but your support is crucial to ensure this happens! Champions of Change: Choice Medical thumbnail Champions of Change: Choice Medical We are proud to recognize two HME suppliers and VGM members who have recently taken the initiative to engage with their legislators and staff members.

Give your business an advantage over the competition.

Become a Member