WASHINGTON, D.C. – Earlier this month, legislation to bolster rates for a large segment of HME suppliers was introduced in the House of Representatives. The DMEPOS Relief Act of 2025, H.R. 2005, would re-establish a 75/25 blended Medicare reimbursement rate for DMEPOS in non-rural/non-competitive bidding areas through the end of 2025.
As we noted in our Mar. 11 Alert, the timing of the introduction will allow the HME advocates to raise the volume on this bill in advance of in-person Hill meetings that will take place as part of our May 12-13 Washington Legislative Conference (WLC).
Time To Go All In
With just eight weeks before the WLC, it’s time to go all in to build grassroots support for H.R. 2005. Please commit to sending an email to your representatives over the next two weeks asking that they co-sponsor and support H.R. 2005. The House is currently set to recess again Apr. 11-Apr. 25; making contact now is critical to generating momentum for this relief.
Building strong co-sponsorship support for the House legislation will also help with efforts to introduce a Senate companion bill and improve the prospects for including these provisions in another potential legislative vehicle.
What’s At Stake
H.R. 2005 reestablishes 75/25 blended Medicare rate relief that expired in January 2024. This relief would provide more stability for suppliers in non-bid areas as well as bolster rates from other payers who are influenced by Medicare rates, including TRICARE and Medicaid programs in many states.
Make a Strong Impression
An email in your own words to the staffer who handles healthcare issues for your Representative makes the strongest impression and allows you the opportunity to follow-up on your request with another email or a phone call. See our H.R. 2025 Issue Brief for background info and find additional messaging and guidance here on how to contact your Representative.
Top Targets for Outreach
Members of the two House committees of jurisdiction for healthcare finance, the Energy & Commerce Committee and the Ways & Means Committee carry additional weight as co-sponsors. In addition, members who co-sponsored 75/25 legislation in the previous Congress (H.R. 5555) should be prioritized and reminded of their previous support in your outreach – see that list here.
Voter Voice Message Now Available
You can also send a pre-drafted message to your Representatives using our Voter Voice advocacy tool. Please share that link with your colleagues and contacts and ask them to help support the message.
More Support Available
The AAHomecare team is ready to help you with any aspect of your outreach, including providing contact info for your Representative’s healthcare staffer, crafting your message, or requesting an in-district meeting during a Congressional recess. Find resources here or contact Gordon Barnes at [email protected] for assistance.
