Dear Colleague Letter Asking for Increased Reimbursement for HME Closes Tuesday, October 5. Please Reach Out Today!

Published in Government Relations on October 01, 2021

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

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 October 5, so please take action today!


TAGS

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

From Our Experts

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. Shutdown Ends, Telehealth Prevails as Pres. Trump Signs Funding Bill thumbnail Shutdown Ends, Telehealth Prevails as Pres. Trump Signs Funding Bill The four-day partial federal government shutdown officially ended on Feb. 3, 2026, after President Donald Trump signed a $1.2 trillion funding package that reopens most federal agencies and restores key programs. CMS Releases New HCPCS thumbnail CMS Releases New HCPCS The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released an update adding eight new oxygen HCPCS codes to the Required Face-to-Face and Written Order Prior to Delivery List and adding five new orthoses and two HCPCS codes to the Required Prior Authorization List. The changes go into effect April 13, 2026. Meet the Candidates: Rep. Ashley Hinson Visits VGM During U.S. Senate Campaign thumbnail Meet the Candidates: Rep. Ashley Hinson Visits VGM During U.S. Senate Campaign Waterloo, Iowa — On Wednesday, VGM Group welcomed employees, local DME suppliers, and community guests for the latest installment of its Meet the Candidates series. The featured guest was Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-IA), who currently represents Iowa's 2nd Congressional District and is now running for the U.S. Senate following Sen. Joni Ernst's decision not to seek reelection in 2026. Grassroots Accountability Program Wants YOU! Become a DMEPOS Advocate thumbnail Grassroots Accountability Program Wants YOU! Become a DMEPOS Advocate Are you interested in politics or curious about how government really works behind the scenes The Grassroots Accountability Program (GAP) is a great opportunity to expand your civic knowledge, build meaningful relationships with your state and federal legislators, and make a direct impact on the future of the DMEPOS industry. CMS Issues FAQ On DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program thumbnail CMS Issues FAQ On DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued a DMEPOS CBP Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) providing clarification on several points of the next round. Medicare Advantage Plans Are in Flux: What Providers Should Know thumbnail Medicare Advantage Plans Are in Flux: What Providers Should Know As reported by HME News WASHINGTON – Medicare Advantage (MA) plans will face new restrictions in 2026 that could force insurers to rethink their business models, according to payer relations experts. While these changes don't directly impact home medical equipment (HME) providers today, they could influence future plan design and reimbursement strategies. BOC Reinstated As Approved Accrediting Organization thumbnail BOC Reinstated As Approved Accrediting Organization As reported by HME News: Court grants company's motion for temporary restraining order against CMS OWINGS Mills, MD.—The Board of Certification/Accreditation (BOC) has been reinstated as an approved accrediting organization (AO) in all but four states, the company has announced. Click here to read the full article from HME News. The federal court has granted a temporary restraining order (“TRO”) in favor of BOC…thereby restoring BOC as an accrediting organization in all states except N