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The Decline of Medical Equipment Providers Across the U.S. Affects Beneficiary Access to Equipment

Published in Government Relations on January 24, 2020

Over the last ten years, there has been a significant decline in the number of medical equipment providers across the country. This is due to reimbursement cuts, regulatory restrictions, and excessive and unreasonable audits that (primarily) smaller durable medical equipment (DME) suppliers are facing. 

decline of medical equipment providersBy clicking here, you can see the exact number of DME suppliers that have closed across the country. The highest percentage of DME business closing are the states colored in dark blue. These states have lost the most of providers by nearly 50%: 

  • California
  • Arizona
  • Texas
  • Louisiana
  • Illinois
  • Ohio
  • Florida
  • Delaware
  • New Jersey
  • Connecticut

When DME suppliers are forced to close their doors, beneficiaries are directly impacted because their ability to receive their much-needed home medical equipment becomes even more difficult to access. They may be forced to travel long distances for their equipment, which would cost them extra time and money.  

What can you do to help? 

Currently, there is a bill circulating that can help with this issue. The Protecting Home Oxygen & Medical Equipment Act of 2019 allows for increased reimbursement rates for durable medical equipment and oxygen equipment and supplies in areas of the country where reimbursement has been slashed. Take action today by visiting https://people-for-quality-care.rallycongress.net/ctas/ask-your-member-congress-to-support-protecting-home-oxygen-medical-equipment-act. This website allows you to send a pre-written message to your member of Congress asking for their support of this legislation that will ultimately protect beneficiaries’ access to the equipment and services that are critical to their well-being. 

It is especially important for residents of the “dark blue” states (as indicated above) to reach out to their members of Congress and let them know of the urgency to protect the DME suppliers and the beneficiary. Ask for your members of Congress’ support by clicking here. 

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