VGM & ASSOCIATESHealthcare MSO
Full Menu Search

The Shutdown Has Ended—Now It's Time To Take Action

Published in Government Relations on November 13, 2025

The recent government shutdown created uncertainty across the healthcare landscape, and the DMEPOS community was no exception. 

In the weeks ahead, critical decisions will shape the future of our industry. By getting involved early—through advocacy, education, and collaboration—you can help ensure these policies support patients and providers rather than hinder them. Notably, the Continuing Resolution (CR) includes an extension of Medicare telehealth flexibilities through January 2026, with reimbursement retroactive to October 1, 2025. 

With operations resuming, now is the critical moment to refocus on what matters most: Protecting patient access and supporting providers through upcoming policy changes. 

What’s next? Let’s dive back in and keep the momentum going. 

  • Competitive Bidding Program (CBP) Updates: Announcements on rules and timelines are expected soon. These changes will directly impact how Medicare reimburses for home medical equipment. 
  • Advocacy Opportunities: Lawmakers need to hear from you. Your voice is essential in shaping policies that safeguard patient care and ensure fair treatment for suppliers. 
  • Resources & Guidance: VGM is here to help you navigate what’s ahead. From bidding tools to compliance resources, we’ll provide everything you need to stay informed and prepared. 

In the weeks ahead, critical decisions will shape the future of our industry. By getting involved—through advocacy, education, and collaboration—you can help ensure these policies support patients and providers rather than hinder them. 

Visit our Competitive Bidding Resource Page for: 

  • Advocacy updates and tools. 
  • Industry news and best practices. 

We will continue to update this page with additional resources and information as we receive more information. 

Together, we can protect access to care and strengthen the DMEPOS community. 

Your involvement matters—let’s make it count. If you need assistance contacting your member of Congress, reach out to the VGM Government Relations team at emily.kettman@vgm.com. 

Get Connected

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

Sign Up for Email

From Our Experts

CMS Releases CPI-U Adjustments for DMEPOS In 2026 And Fee Schedule Q1 thumbnail CMS Releases CPI-U Adjustments for DMEPOS In 2026 And Fee Schedule Q1 The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the annual inflation factor to be applied to DMEPOS items effective January 1, 2026, with an implementation date of January 5, 2026. The breakdown of the adjustment is dependent upon whether the serviced items are included in the competitive bidding program (CBP) or are in formerly competitive bid areas (CBAs) such as rural and non-rural. Update from the Board of Certification/Accreditation thumbnail Update from the Board of Certification/Accreditation Yesterday, the Board of Certification/Accreditation (BOC) issued a clarification regarding the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid's (CMS) recent announcement about withdrawing BOC Accreditation. Here are the key updates... CMS Withdraws BOC Accreditation Authority For DMEPOS Suppliers thumbnail CMS Withdraws BOC Accreditation Authority For DMEPOS Suppliers On December 2, 2025, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) officially revoked the Board of Certification/Accreditation International (BOC) as an approved accreditation organization for suppliers of durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS). The DMEPOS Competitive Bid Program (CBP) And The New Remote Item Delivery Competitive Bidding Program – What Suppliers Need To Know thumbnail The DMEPOS Competitive Bid Program (CBP) And The New Remote Item Delivery Competitive Bidding Program – What Suppliers Need To Know A major development to come out of the CMS DMEPOS/Home Health Final Rule is the creation of a new Remote Item Delivery (RID) competitive bid program (CBP). This article provides the key items DMEPOS suppliers need to be aware of regarding this significant development in the competitive bidding program. CMS Changes Accreditation Requirements For All DMEPOS Suppliers Effective January 1, 2026. thumbnail CMS Changes Accreditation Requirements For All DMEPOS Suppliers Effective January 1, 2026. As we shared last week, CMS finalized the DMEPOS accreditation rule change that requires Accrediting Organizations (AOs) to survey and recredential DMEPOS suppliers annually, instead of every three years. This change is outside of competitive bidding and applies to all DMEPOS suppliers as a condition of Medicare enrollment. FAQs from the Webinar: Understanding the Final Rule on the DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program thumbnail FAQs from the Webinar: Understanding the Final Rule on the DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program Thank you to everyone who joined last week's webinar! We've compiled the most frequently asked questions from the session along with updated answers to help you stay informed. Major Update On Product Categories For The Next Round Of Competitive Bidding thumbnail Major Update On Product Categories For The Next Round Of Competitive Bidding Since the publication of the Final Rules on the Competitive Bidding Program (CBP) was announced, VGM has been in conversation with CMS officials as well as other industry groups regarding additional products being included into the CBP. The unofficial feedback we received indicated that there would be no additional products beyond those reported in the Final Rule. CMS Finalizes Rule Changing The Next Round Of The Competitive Bidding Program And Updating Other Provisions Related To Provider Enrollment And Prior Authorization thumbnail CMS Finalizes Rule Changing The Next Round Of The Competitive Bidding Program And Updating Other Provisions Related To Provider Enrollment And Prior Authorization Final Rule Analysis from the VGM Payer Relations and Reimbursement team  On Nov, 28, 2025, CMS finalized Final Rule CMS-1828-F that includes updates to the Competitive Bidding Program (CBP) and other provisions related to provider enrollment and prior authorization. Next round is expected to be implemented no later than Jan. 1, 2028.

Give your business an advantage over the competition.

Become a Member