Legislative Momentum in the HME Industry: Key Updates & Action Items

Published in Government Relations on October 16, 2025

The past few months have seen a surge of legislative activity in the home medical equipment sector, with several key developments shaping policy and advocacy efforts across the industry. From new bills introduced in Congress to formal comment submissions and stakeholder mobilization, these events reflect growing momentum around critical issues affecting providers and patients alike. This article offers a comprehensive recap of recent actions and outlines important next steps for those engaged in the HME community.

Senate Bill S.2951 introduced 

The U.S. Senate has introduced S.2951, the companion bill to H.R. 2005, known as the DMEPOS Relief Act of 2025, aimed at adjusting Medicare payment rates for durable medical equipment previously included in Round 2021 of the Competitive Bidding Program. Sponsored by Senator James Lankford (R-OK) and co-sponsored by Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH), this bipartisan legislation reflects the strong advocacy efforts of OMEPA and HOMES. This bipartisan bill seeks to restore fair reimbursement and protect access for seniors and individuals with disabilities. Referring to the Senate Finance Committee, the bill has gained momentum thanks to advocacy from industry groups like VGM Group and AAHomecare. Stakeholders are encouraged to contact their Senators in support of the legislation, which could significantly benefit HME providers and patients nationwide.

Click here to read the full article. 

Click here to reach out to your senator asking for support S.2951. 

Congressional Sign-on Letter Regarding Competitive Bidding Program 

A Congressional Sign-on Letter circulated in the House of Representatives over the past couple weeks, led by Rep. Neal Dunn (R-FL) and Rep. Greg Murphy (R-NC). This bipartisan letter calls on CMS to stop the proposed expansion of the durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding Program to include ostomy and urological supplies.The letter closed on Friday, Oct. 10, 2025, with 26 supporters.  

Click here to see the final letter.

232 National Security Investigation on Medical Imports

Formal comments were submitted by VGM to the U.S. Department of Commerce regarding the Section 232 National Security Investigation on medical imports, urging caution around potential trade restrictions. While supporting efforts to strengthen domestic supply chains, VGM highlighted risks such as increased costs from tariffs, supply chain disruptions, limited domestic manufacturing capacity, and negative impacts on patient care. They emphasized the need for a balanced approach that protects national interests without harming the HME industry or the patients it serves.

Click here to read more about this.

Continued Support of H.R. 2005 DMEPOS Relief Bill 

The last few months efforts have brought more support of H.R. 2005, the DMEPOS Relief Act. This legislation would provide adjustments to Medicare reimbursement for DME items that were formerly included in Round 2021 of the Competitive Bidding Program. 

Click here to reach out to your representative to ask for their support of H.R. 2005. 

Government Shutdown and Telehealth Flexibilities Expire  

The U.S. senate is still in a stalemate with negotiations to open the government back up. Democrat and Republican members of the Senate were unable to agree on terms in passing a continuing resolution (CR) ahead of the October 1 deadline, resulting in a government shutdown. October 1 also brought the expiration of telehealth flexibilities, reverting to pre-pandemic regulations.  

Click here to read the full article. 

VGM will continue to monitor legislative developments and provide timely updates to keep stakeholders informed and empowered. 

From Our Experts

VGM Submits Comments Regarding the Section 232 National Security Investigation On Medical Imports thumbnail VGM Submits Comments Regarding the Section 232 National Security Investigation On Medical Imports VGM has submitted formal comments to the U.S. Department of Commerce in response to its Section 232 National Security Investigation into the importation of personal protective equipment (PPE), medical consumables, and medical equipment and devices. Senate Backs DME Relief Act with Bipartisan Support thumbnail Senate Backs DME Relief Act with Bipartisan Support In a significant development for the durable medical equipment (DME) industry and Medicare beneficiaries, the U.S. Senate has introduced S.2951, the companion legislation to H.R. 2005, known as the DMEPOS Relief Act of 2025. The Senate bill is being led by Senator James Lankford (R-OK) and has gained bipartisan support with Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) joining as a co-sponsor. Gov't Shutdown: What It Means for Providers thumbnail Gov't Shutdown: What It Means for Providers As expected, Democrats and Republican members of the Senate was unable to agree on terms in passing a continuing resolution (CR) ahead of the October 1st deadline, resulting in a government shutdown. But how did we get here? Oppose DMEPOS Bidding Expansion – Take Action Now thumbnail Oppose DMEPOS Bidding Expansion – Take Action Now A critical Congressional Sign-On Letter is now circulating in the House of Representatives, led by Reps. Neal Dunn (R-FL) and Greg Murphy (R-NC). This bipartisan letter calls on CMS to stop the proposed expansion of the durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding Program to include ostomy and urological supplies. Gov't Shutdown & Telehealth Flexibility Expiration thumbnail Gov't Shutdown & Telehealth Flexibility Expiration September 30 represents an important date for HME providers for two reasons: 1) The potential of a government shutdown and how that affects HHS and CMS, and 2) the expiration of Telehealth Flexibilities unless a Continuing Resolution (CR) is agreed upon in time. Josh Turek Visits VGM to Champion Accessibility & Advocacy thumbnail Josh Turek Visits VGM to Champion Accessibility & Advocacy Waterloo, IA — On Monday, VGM Group hosted the first of our “Meet The Candidate” forums by welcoming Iowa State Representative Josh Turek, a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate seat soon to be vacated by Senator Joni Ernst. VGM & NCART Rally in D.C. to Defend CRT & HME Access thumbnail VGM & NCART Rally in D.C. to Defend CRT & HME Access Washington, D.C. – September 2025 — A powerful few days of advocacy wrapped up in the nation's capital as representatives from VGM Group, NCART, AAHomecare, and other key stakeholders in the Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) and Home Medical Equipment (HME) industries met with lawmakers to address urgent policy concerns. Igniting Champions Of Change During August Recess thumbnail Igniting Champions Of Change During August Recess This August recess, DME suppliers across the country seized the opportunity to engage with lawmakers and advocate for critical DMEPOS legislation. Their efforts are helping to build momentum and expand the network of congressional supporters.