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

From Our Experts

New Bipartisan Senate Bill Aims to Improve Access to Diabetes Technology & Education for Medicare Beneficiaries thumbnail New Bipartisan Senate Bill Aims to Improve Access to Diabetes Technology & Education for Medicare Beneficiaries U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Susan Collins (R-ME), Cochairs of the Senate Diabetes Caucus, have introduced the Diabetes Interventions Addressing Barriers to Enrollment, Technology, and Education Services (DIABETES) Act, S.4037. VGM Reintroduces the Fraud, Waste & Abuse Reporting Resource Center thumbnail VGM Reintroduces the Fraud, Waste & Abuse Reporting Resource Center VGM Government Relations is proud to announce the reintroduction of its Fraud, Waste & Abuse (FWA) Reporting Resource Center—a newly refreshed online hub designed to protect the integrity of the DMEPOS industry and reinforce our unwavering commitment to ethical, compliant care. Celebrating Another DME Champion of Change: Thom Harvill of Above and Beyond Medical thumbnail Celebrating Another DME Champion of Change: Thom Harvill of Above and Beyond Medical We're proud to once again recognize a true Champion of Change in the DME industry: Thom Harvill of Above and Beyond Medical in Tennessee. Thom has dedicated many years to the DME community—consistently showing up, speaking out, and pushing the industry forward. He's the kind of advocate who never stops asking, “Who else can I reach out to about this?” 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... 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. 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. 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.