Dear Colleague Letter Circulates Through Congress Seeking Support for DMEPOS 75/25 Blended Rate

Published in Government Relations on October 16, 2024

A new Dear Colleague letter, released this morning by Representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Paul Tonko, and Randy Feenstra, is calling for the reestablishment of the Medicare 75/25 blended rate for durable medical equipment (DME) in non-rural, non-competitive bid areas for 2025.

Take Action Now!

This letter will remain open for signatures until the upcoming election. However, time is of the essence. Please reach out to your members of Congress today to ask them to show their support for the DME industry by reaching out to Rep. Miller-Meeks' staff or Rep. Tonko’s staff. Let them know that DME suppliers need fair reimbursement rates in order to provide Medicare beneficiaries with the supplies and services needed to heal in their home, not in the hospital.

How You Can Help:

Contact Your Member of Congress: Urge them to support the DME industry by reaching out to the staff of Rep. Miller-Meeks or Rep. Tonko.

Highlight the Importance: Emphasize that fair reimbursement rates are crucial for DME suppliers to provide Medicare beneficiaries with the necessary supplies and services to heal at home rather than in a hospital.

Contact Information:

Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks’ Health Staff: Blake Thelander (blake.thelander@mail.house.gov)

Rep. Paul Tonko’s Health Staff: Emily Silverberg (emily.silverberg@mail.house.gov)

You can find your member of Congress’s contact information by clicking here and entering their details or your zip code. Call or email their office and ask them to support this important initiative.

From Our Experts

Celebrating the Life and Impact of Mike Hamilton, ADMEA Executive Director thumbnail Celebrating the Life and Impact of Mike Hamilton, ADMEA Executive Director We are deeply saddened to share the passing of our beloved colleague and friend, Mike Hamilton, Executive Director of the Alabama Durable Medical Equipment Association (ADMEA). For more than 50 years, Mike dedicated his life to the durable medical equipment (DME) industry, setting an extraordinary example of hard work, integrity, and unwavering passion. His leadership and advocacy helped shape the industry and improve access to care for countless patients. The Big Sky Association of Medical Equipment Suppliers Welcomes UTAH! thumbnail The Big Sky Association of Medical Equipment Suppliers Welcomes UTAH! The Big Sky Association of Medical Equipment Suppliers is pleased to announce that Utah has officially been accepted into the association as our newest participating state. Big Sky now proudly welcomes all Utah DME/HME, Respiratory, CRT, and Medical Supply companies into our regional association. Utah will have a designated state representative/director—appointed in the same manner as Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming—to ensure strong representation and a clear voice within the Association. Beyond the Shutdown and The Proposed Rule: Key Legislative Updates for the HME Industry thumbnail Beyond the Shutdown and The Proposed Rule: Key Legislative Updates for the HME Industry While the government shutdown and uncertainty surrounding CMS's Proposed Rule have dominated headlines, several important bills impacting HME providers continue to advance. Here's a quick look at three focused legislative priorities: Advocacy in Action: Texas DME Providers Stand Up For Patient Care thumbnail Advocacy in Action: Texas DME Providers Stand Up For Patient Care Texas DME providers are speaking out against proposed Medicaid reimbursement rate cuts that threaten access to essential medical equipment for vulnerable patients. At a recent public hearing, voices from across the state shared powerful stories about the real-world impact of these cuts—some as high as 85%. The Shutdown Has Ended—Now It's Time To Take Action thumbnail The Shutdown Has Ended—Now It's Time To Take Action The recent government shutdown created uncertainty across the healthcare landscape, and the DMEPOS community was no exception. In the weeks ahead, critical decisions will shape the future of our industry. By getting involved early—through advocacy, education, and collaboration—you can help ensure these policies support patients and providers rather than hinder them. Notably, the Continuing Resolution (CR) includes an extension of Medicare telehealth flexibilities through January 2026... New Issue Brief: Why Medicare's Competitive Bidding Program Needs Urgent Reform thumbnail New Issue Brief: Why Medicare's Competitive Bidding Program Needs Urgent Reform The Medicare competitive bidding program for durable medical equipment (DME) was designed to reduce costs—but it's failing patients and providers. A new issue brief from Pacific Research Institute and economist Wayne Winegarden highlights what changes are urgently needed. Champions of Change: DME Advocates Driving Real Change thumbnail Champions of Change: DME Advocates Driving Real Change Real change starts with real people. In this edition of Champions of Change, we're spotlighting two DME advocates who aren't just talking about problems—they're taking action. David Griffin and Gary Rench are showing us what it means to stand up for patients, providers, and the future of our industry. Join HME Industry Letter on CB Program to CMS Administrator Oz thumbnail Join HME Industry Letter on CB Program to CMS Administrator Oz HME suppliers, manufacturers, and distributors are invited to add their company's name to a letter to CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz regarding the Administration's DMEPOS/Home Health Proposed Rule that includes provisions for a new competitive bidding round. The letter specifically asks CMS to withdraw or delay the DMEPOS provisions in the Proposed Rule and re-engage with industry, patient, and clinical stakeholders to design an evidence-based, fraud-resistant, America-First framework.