Skip to main content

VGM & ASSOCIATESHealthcare MSO

Search GO

Search GO

LEARN ABOUT VGM

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

From Our Experts

VGM Government Relations Launches State Payer Resource Hub for DMEPOS Providers thumbnail

VGM Government Relations Launches State Payer Resource Hub for DMEPOS Providers This resource brings together key information frequently used by DMEPOS providers.

Kentucky Governor Announces Reprieve from Previously Announced Kentucky Medicaid 4% Rate Cut thumbnail

Kentucky Governor Announces Reprieve from Previously Announced Kentucky Medicaid 4% Rate Cut The administration expects the surplus funding to sustain current reimbursement levels through June 2027.

NAAOP and OPGA Co-Host Second Annual In-Person Legislative Fly-In thumbnail

NAAOP and OPGA Co-Host Second Annual In-Person Legislative Fly-In Last week, over 30 stakeholders, advocates, and leaders from around the O&P profession convened at the offices of Powers Pyles Sutter & Verville PC in Washington, D.C., as part of the National Association for the Advancement of Orthotics and Prosthetics' (NAAOP) second annual in-person legislative fly-in.

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...

Give your business an advantage over the competition.

Become a Member