Navigating the Fast-Paced News Cycle: Key Updates for Our Industry

Published in Government Relations on March 06, 2025

By: Ike Isaacson

As we move into the new year, the headlines are coming at us fast and furious. The constant stream of information from Washington, D.C. can be overwhelming and often confusing. Topics such as tariffs, budgets, and DOGE dominate the news, making it feel like a game of "follow the bouncing ball." 

Amidst this incessant back and forth, it is easy to become desensitized to the continuous stream of orders and changes. However, our industry must remain focused on our priorities. We need to sift through the daily news to identify the items that will have the most significant impact on us. Staying vigilant and up to date is crucial. 

To that end, here are a few key issues to watch: 

DME Relief Act (75/25 Non-Rural Medicare Blended Rate) 

Currently, this relief will not be included in the March package. In fact, it is uncertain whether there will be a package at all. With the House having passed a resolution for the "One Bill" budget, the focus has shifted to meeting the savings obligations outlined in that document. As industry advocates, we must now turn our attention to working with the 119th Congress. This involves securing champions, some of whom may be new, for our 75/25 Blended Rate request. With Senator John Thune now in a Senate leadership position, we are seeking a new champion in that chamber. Our advocacy partners are helping us identify these champions and begin our efforts anew. 

Simultaneously, there is a concerted effort to pursue administrative changes. Our partners at the American Association for Homecare have established strong relationships within CMS, and we are supporting their efforts to secure the much-needed DME relief. 

Regardless of the path we take, we need the voices and actions of our State Associations and every member of the industry. This is a full-court press, and we need everyone to join the fight.

Tariffs 

The administration's recent memorandum setting tariffs on goods from Canada, Mexico, and China has sparked considerable conversation, confusion, and concern within the DMEPOS industry. As details emerge about which products will be affected, VGM has requested an exemption for medical devices. Our industry is known for providing quality service and equipment with significant cost savings compared to facility-based care. By promoting aging in place, we help keep people healthy at a fraction of the cost of other settings. We urge you to contact your Congressperson and request that our products remain exempt from the potential cost increases associated with tariffs. 

Custom Rehab Technology 

VGM is collaborating with our partners at NCART to create a more streamlined and efficient repair and prior authorization process for our CRT providers. While this is currently a state-by-state effort, there is some federal-level discussion regarding the "right to repair." VGM is working with Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) to ensure that our provider community's voice is heard in this discussion. 

Senator Duckworth and Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) have introduced S. 247, the Titanium/Carbon Fiber Bill. This bill allows consumers to choose and pay for custom upgrades without adding to Medicare expenses. A corresponding House bill (H.R. 1703) has been introduced by Representatives John Joyce (R-OH) and Vern Buchanan (R-FL). This bill mirrors the Senate bill's language, facilitating smoother passage through committees and on the floor. We will continue to advocate for this consumer-focused bill and ask our members to do the same. 

HHS Rescinds policy on Public Participation in Rule Making  

Newly minted HHS Director Robert Kennedy released a notice that the department will be rescinding the public participation in rule making policy. In short, this means that the department no longer must release potential changes to rules for public comment. The Administrative Procedure Act (APA) allows a department to exercise this waiver in “matters relating to agency management or personnel or to public property, loans, grants, benefits, or contracts.” It also allows the agency to forgo these requirements for “good cause” when the agency finds that the procedures are “impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the public interest.” 

The implications of this decision could have significant impact on the DME Industry. VGM will be monitoring notices and information coming from HHS as rules can be made and released now with little to no public input or knowledge. While the impact of this decision is yet to be seen, it is imperative that the industry continue to demand transparency and disclosure form the administration. 

As always, your VGM Government Team is working diligently on your behalf. We have been traveling the country to meet with you and your congressional staff, as well as traveling to D.C. to meet face-to-face with our congressional champions. Your voice is vital, and we encourage you to share your stories. We are here to support you in hosting on-site visits with your legislators and their staff. Building local relationships is key to our success, and your stories and experiences in serving people in their homes will highlight the important work you do. 

Together, we must continue to fight for those we serve, for our industry, and for each other. Together, we can be Champions of Change. 

From Our Experts

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