VGM & ASSOCIATESHealthcare MSO
Full Menu Search

Senate Introduces Companion Bill to H.R. 2005: The DME Relief Act Gains Bipartisan Momentum

Published in Government Relations on October 03, 2025

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.  

Much like its House counterpart, S.2951 directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to implement adjustments to Medicare payment rates for items of durable medical equipment that were previously included in Round 2021 of the DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program. These adjustments aim to restore fair reimbursement levels and ensure continued access to essential medical equipment for seniors and individuals with disabilities.  

The introduction of S.2951 marks a pivotal moment for stakeholders who have long advocated for Senate action. Finding a Democratic co-sponsor for the Senate bill was a challenge that took time and persistent outreach. Senator Hassan’s support now gives the bill a stronger chance of advancing through committee and eventually reaching the Senate floor. 

S.2951 has been referred to the Senate Committee on Finance. Industry advocates, including VGM Group and AAHomecare, are urging stakeholders to contact their Senators and express support for the bill. The goal is to ensure that both S.2951 and H.R. 2005 move forward in tandem, ultimately securing relief for DME providers and protecting patient access nationwide. 

Special thanks go out to the dedicated DME suppliers and industry stakeholders who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to help secure bipartisan support for this legislation. Their collaboration with the offices of Senators Lankford and Hassan was instrumental in moving the DME Relief Act forward and ensuring the voices of providers and patients were heard. 

Please take a minute today to reach out to your Senator asking to support S.2951. Tell them your story, and why improved reimbursement will help you continue to provide quality medical equipment and supplies to those in need. 

You can click here to instantly email your senator: Action Center

Get Connected

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

Sign Up for Email

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. 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.

Give your business an advantage over the competition.

Become a Member