Support is Needed for the Letter Asking CMS for Increase Reimbursement for HME. Your Actions are Needed Today! Deadline is Tomorrow.

Published in Government Relations on October 04, 2021

There are currently only 22 supporters of the House Dear Colleague to CMS! Now is the time for action. Please reach out to your member of Congress today asking them to sign this letter asking Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure to finalize the Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) proposed rule that was issued on October 27, 2020. The rule would establish methodologies for adjusting the fee schedule payment amounts for DMEPOS items furnished in non-competitive bidding areas (non-CBAs) on or after April 1, 2021 or the date immediately following the duration of the public health emergency, whichever is later. This includes the provisions to extend the Medicare 50/50 blended rate for DMEPOS in rural/non-contiguous areas. Additionally, the letter requests CMS to consider additional policies to ensure access to DMEPOS items for Medicare beneficiaries.  

Click here to see the letter. See the current list of supporters here

This letter is being led by Reps. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Paul Tonko (D-NY). Representatives are being directed to reach out to their staff to sign the letter. 

Please act today! We’ve made it easy for you! Simply click here to send an email/letter to your representative asking them to support this letter. A letter has been composed; you’re welcome to add additional context to the request if you like. Otherwise, you can simply enter your zip code to send a letter. Please take a minute of your day to do this and encourage your friends and coworkers to as well. 

The deadline for members of Congress to sign the letter is tomorrow, October 5.  


TAGS

  1. cms
  2. hhs
  3. reimbursement
  4. vgm government

From Our Experts

Federal Actions This Week Signal The Administration Is Doubling Down On Its Goal To Eliminate Fraud Waste And Abuse thumbnail Federal Actions This Week Signal The Administration Is Doubling Down On Its Goal To Eliminate Fraud Waste And Abuse This week, the Trump administration, through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), announced a significant deferral of federal Medicaid matching funds to Minnesota alongside the release of a new Request for Information (RFI) tied to the administration's Comprehensive Regulations to Uncover Suspicious Healthcare (CRUSH) initiative. These actions along with the changes to DMEPOS accreditation and enrollment signal the administration's aggressive posture on Medicaid and Medicare... Trump Administration Announces Nationwide DMEPOS Enrollment Moratorium thumbnail Trump Administration Announces Nationwide DMEPOS Enrollment Moratorium In a press release published on the CMS website Feb. 25, 2026, it was announced that CMS will implement a six-month moratorium on new enrollments for DMEPOS suppliers. VGM Response To CMS Moratorium On New DMEPOS Provider thumbnail VGM Response To CMS Moratorium On New DMEPOS Provider The federal moratorium on new DME suppliers presents a defining moment for us as an industry—an opportunity to demonstrate that the VGM members serving patients are the gold standard. We have long shown that our members operate with integrity, excellence in compliance, and unmatched commitment to service, efficiency, and patient outcomes. Now, we must elevate that message. Proposed LCD Changes to Impact Seat Elevation on Group 2 Non-Complex Power Wheelchair Bases thumbnail Proposed LCD Changes to Impact Seat Elevation on Group 2 Non-Complex Power Wheelchair Bases The DME Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) issued a proposed Local Coverage Determination (LCD) change for seat elevation use on group 2 non-complex power wheelchair bases (K0830, K0831 and K0108 on group 2 non-complex HD bases). John Quinlan Named 2026 Van G. Miller Homecare Champion thumbnail John Quinlan Named 2026 Van G. Miller Homecare Champion AAHomecare announced earlier this week that John Quinlan of Quinlan's Pharmacy in New York has been selected as the recipient of this year's Van G. Miller Award. John has been a valued VGM member for many years, and his leadership within the DMEPOS community has made a meaningful impact on patients, providers, and the industry as a whole. His commitment to quality care, patient access, and industry advocacy consistently sets him apart. Legislative Update On DMEPOS Bills – Letter To CMS Admin Dr. Oz To Delay Competitive Bidding Program thumbnail Legislative Update On DMEPOS Bills – Letter To CMS Admin Dr. Oz To Delay Competitive Bidding Program Many of you have already contacted your legislators in support of key DME legislation, including the DMEPOS Relief Act, the Choices for Increased Mobility Act, and the Supplemental Oxygen Access Reform (SOAR) Act. We now have another important issue to bring to your attention. CMS Revises Nebulizer Policy and ABN Form thumbnail CMS Revises Nebulizer Policy and ABN Form CMS has issued an update regarding revisions to the CMS Nebulizer Policy Article and guidance on the Advanced Beneficiary Notice of Noncoverage (ABN) Form. For dates of service on or after Feb. 1, 2026, suppliers must include the KX, GA, or GZ modifier to claims for the following nebulizer items: CMS Releases Updated Telehealth FAQ After Funding Bill Extends Flexibilities Through 2027 thumbnail CMS Releases Updated Telehealth FAQ After Funding Bill Extends Flexibilities Through 2027 Earlier this week, Congress extended Medicare telehealth flexibilities through Dec, 31, 2027, as part of the newly signed federal funding bill. In response, CMS has released updated Telehealth Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) to provide clarity on what the extension means for both patients and providers.