Skip to main content

VGM & ASSOCIATESHealthcare MSO

Search GO

Search GO

LEARN ABOUT VGM

Sen. Thune Lands Senate Majority Leader Role While Support for H.R.5555 and S.1294 Continues

Published in Government Relations on November 13, 2024

In a significant development, Sen. John Thune (R-SD) has been chosen as the new Senate Majority Leader, replacing Mitch McConnell. This is excellent news for the durable medical equipment (DME) industry, as Sen. Thune has been a steadfast legislative supporter of the industry.

Thune Event Thune

_{Cindy Coy of Avera and Rose Schafhauser of MAMES speak with Sen. Thune in Sioux Falls, SD (August 2024)}

Thune

_{AAHomecare Fly-In in 2016}

_{Event with Sen. Thune in Sioux Falls, SD}

_{AAHomecare Fly-In 2018}

We extend our gratitude to MAMES and DME suppliers in South Dakota for fostering this crucial relationship with Sen. Thune. Their efforts have been instrumental in securing a strong advocate for the DME industry in such a prominent position. Through their dedication and collaboration, we have been able to advance our shared goals and ensure that the needs and challenges of the DME community are effectively communicated.

Sen. Thune’s leadership in introducing DME legislation over the years to improve accessibility, particularly in rural areas, has been particularly impactful. Notably, his current Senate bill, S.1294, which extends the Medicare 75/25 blended rate for non-rural, non-CBA home medical equipment suppliers, stands out as a significant achievement.

Dear Colleague Letter Closes: Continue Supporting H.R. 5555 and S.1294 in End-of-Year Package

The Dear Colleague letter supporting H.R.5555 and S.1294 closed on Friday, Nov. 8, with 33 signatures. You can view the letter and all signatures here. Representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), Paul Tonko (D-NY), and Randy Feenstra (R-IA) authored the letter, advocating for the reestablishment of the Medicare 75/25 blended rate for DME in non-rural, non-competitive bid areas for 2025.

Thank you to everyone who contacted their member(s) of Congress to support this letter. If your representative signed the letter, please send them a thank you note!

We hope that the H.R. 5555/S.1294 legislation will be included in any end-of-year package. While it remains uncertain whether such a package will be presented before the end of the year, it is crucial to advocate for this legislation now. If your representative has not yet signed on to these bills, please reach out to them today. We’ve made it easy for you! Click here to send a message to your member(s) of Congress and Senator, urging them to support H.R.5555/S.1294.

TAGS

From Our Experts

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...

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.

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.

CMS Announces Phase 1: Bid Preparation for Round 2028 Competitive Bidding Program thumbnail

CMS Announces Phase 1: Bid Preparation for Round 2028 Competitive Bidding Program Be sure to review all materials if you are considering a bid submission for Round 2028.

CRT Bill H.R. 1703 Advances Through Full Energy & Commerce Committee thumbnail

CRT Bill H.R. 1703 Advances Through Full Energy & Commerce Committee Earlier this week, we shared that H.R. 1703 advanced through the House Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee. We are pleased to report that the bill has continued to gain momentum and has now successfully passed out of the full Energy & Commerce Committee unanimously following today's markup.

Important Update: Prior Auth Exemption Process – Deadline Extended to May 26, 2026 thumbnail

Important Update: Prior Auth Exemption Process – Deadline Extended to May 26, 2026 CMS has just announced that the deadline to opt out of the prior authorization exemption and continue submitting prior authorization requests has been extended to Tuesday, May 26. This extension only applies to suppliers that received a letter from the DME MACs in early March regarding their prior authorization exemption status.

Be Part of Something Bigger

Become a Member