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

CONNECT for Health Act Gains Bipartisan Momentum to Expand Telehealth Access thumbnail CONNECT for Health Act Gains Bipartisan Momentum to Expand Telehealth Access On April 2, 2025, a bipartisan group of 60 senators reintroduced the CONNECT for Health Act, legislation that would expand patient access to telehealth services through Medicare while removing barriers to adoption. The bill would also make permanent the COVID-19 telehealth flexibilities currently set to expire Sept. 30. The lead sponsors of the bill are Sens. Brian Schatz (D-HI), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Mark Warner (D-VA), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Peter Welch (D-VT), and John Barrasso (R-WY). [Vlog] Important Updates Regarding NIPPV NCD thumbnail [Vlog] Important Updates Regarding NIPPV NCD Watch below an important update from Ronda Burhmester, Sr. Director Payer Relations & Reimbursement, VGM & Associates, regarding non-invasive pressure ventilation. Make Your Voice Heard On The Competitive Bidding Program thumbnail Make Your Voice Heard On The Competitive Bidding Program “If the Competitive Bidding Program goes forward, it will be devastating—not just for providers like me but, most importantly, for the patients we serve,” said Jonathan Temple, owner of OxyMed LLC. You Got The Contract! …Now What?! Part 2: Contract Maintenance thumbnail You Got The Contract! …Now What?! Part 2: Contract Maintenance In our last article, we discussed the key provisions to be sure you know about your contract. It is critical to understand these provisions to help comply with the contract terms, fulfill your obligations as your business changes, and understand the payer's obligations and your rights under the contract. In this article we discuss some best practices for managing your contracts once you get them. Industry Uncertainty And Advocacy Needs – What You Can Do NOW thumbnail Industry Uncertainty And Advocacy Needs – What You Can Do NOW The proposed rule introduces broad structural changes without full clarity on implementation timelines or enforcement. Industry groups like VGM, AAHomecare, and CQRC are urging stakeholders to engage in advocacy to shape final rules. To prepare for the sweeping changes in the 2025 CMS Proposed Rule for DMEPOS, companies should take a multi-pronged strategic approach. Here is a breakdown of key preparation strategies: Alabama Durable Medical Equipment Association (ADMEA) Seeks New Executive Director thumbnail Alabama Durable Medical Equipment Association (ADMEA) Seeks New Executive Director The Alabama Durable Medical Equipment Association (ADMEA) is now accepting applications for the role of Executive Director. This is an exciting leadership opportunity for an individual with a passion for healthcare, industry advocacy, and association management. 2025 CMS Proposed Rule Challenges and To-Dos thumbnail 2025 CMS Proposed Rule Challenges and To-Dos The 2025 CMS Proposed Rule for Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) introduces several significant changes that present both operational and financial challenges for DME companies. You Got the Contract! …NOW WHAT?! A Short Series thumbnail You Got the Contract! …NOW WHAT?! A Short Series Congratulations! You FINALLY got the contract you've been working so hard on all these months. Now that you have it, what are the critical next steps you need to take to maintain and implement the contract and generate ROI? Welcome to the first of a short series of articles to help you accomplish just that.