VGM & ASSOCIATESHealthcare MSO
Full Menu Search

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.

Get Connected

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

Sign Up for Email

From Our Experts

Round 2028 Updates for Competitive Bidding & Interoperability Rule FAQ thumbnail Round 2028 Updates for Competitive Bidding & Interoperability Rule FAQ On Nov. 28, 2025, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced plans for Round 2028 of the Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding Program (CBP). If you plan to bid, the time to prepare is now... What DMEPOS Providers Need to Know About H.R. 3514: Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act thumbnail What DMEPOS Providers Need to Know About H.R. 3514: Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act Medicare Advantage prior authorization continues to be one of the most significant operational and patient care challenges facing DMEPOS suppliers. A new bipartisan bill, H.R. 3514: Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act, seeks to increase transparency, accountability, and oversight of Medicare Advantage prior authorization practices. This bill passed out of Ways & Means markup by a unanimous vote (42-0) on July 15... H.R. 1703 Advances, Bringing Greater Choice for Wheelchair Users thumbnail H.R. 1703 Advances, Bringing Greater Choice for Wheelchair Users The DMEPOS community, particularly wheelchair providers and users, should be celebrating an important victory as the House approved the Choices for Increased Mobility Act (H.R. 1703). North Carolina Medicaid Rate Floor Extended Through 2029 thumbnail North Carolina Medicaid Rate Floor Extended Through 2029 Earlier this year, it was announced that the North Carolina General Assembly has approved the state budget, securing an additional full two-year extension of the Medicaid fee schedule floor. This protection will now remain in effect until June 30, 2029, guaranteeing that reimbursement rates will continue to be set at 100% of the lesser of the supplier's usual and customary rate or the maximum allowable Medicaid fee-for-service rate. State Medicaid Work Requirements: The Impact on Medicaid beneficiaries and their DME Suppliers thumbnail State Medicaid Work Requirements: The Impact on Medicaid beneficiaries and their DME Suppliers Pursuant to the work and community engagement requirements included in H.R.1, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued an interim final rule mandating a framework for Medicaid departments to follow when evaluating Medicaid beneficiary eligibility. Beginning no later than January 1, 2027, states must require certain adult Medicaid enrollees to demonstrate at least 80 hours per month of qualifying activity, which may include employment, education, or community... Healthcare Coalition Urges Congress to Advance Supplemental Oxygen Reform thumbnail Healthcare Coalition Urges Congress to Advance Supplemental Oxygen Reform Washington, D.C. — A broad coalition of suppliers, manufacturers, clinicians, and patient advocates is calling on Congress to advance the Supplemental Oxygen Access Reform (SOAR) Act (H.R. 2902 / S. 1406) to protect patient access to life-sustaining oxygen therapy. Summer Advocacy Campaign-Make Your Voice Heard thumbnail Summer Advocacy Campaign-Make Your Voice Heard Summer is the perfect time to connect with your legislators while they are back in their home states and districts. Whether you're building a new relationship or strengthening an existing one, meeting with elected officials is one of the most effective ways to advance policies that protect patient access to home medical equipment and services. Wrapping Up a Successful VGM Heartland Conference & State Leader Summit thumbnail Wrapping Up a Successful VGM Heartland Conference & State Leader Summit One of our busiest and without a doubt, one of our favorite weeks of the year is the VGM Heartland Conference. This year kicked off with a special opportunity to bring together DME state association leaders from across the country for a dedicated pre-conference State Leader Summit. The focus was simple but impactful: collaboration, idea sharing, and real conversations about the challenges and opportunities facing our industry today.

Be Part of Something Bigger

Become a Member