Skip to main content

VGM & ASSOCIATESHealthcare MSO

Search GO

Search GO

VGM & ASSOCIATESHealthcare MSO LEARN ABOUT VGM

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.

By 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.

From Our Experts

Beyond the Shutdown and The Proposed Rule: Key Legislative Updates for the HME Industry thumbnail

Beyond the Shutdown and The Proposed Rule: Key Legislative Updates for the HME Industry While the government shutdown and uncertainty surrounding CMS's Proposed Rule have dominated headlines, several important bills impacting HME providers continue to advance. Here's a quick look at three focused legislative priorities:

Advocacy in Action: Texas DME Providers Stand Up For Patient Care thumbnail

Advocacy in Action: Texas DME Providers Stand Up For Patient Care Texas DME providers are speaking out against proposed Medicaid reimbursement rate cuts that threaten access to essential medical equipment for vulnerable patients. At a recent public hearing, voices from across the state shared powerful stories about the real-world impact of these cuts—some as high as 85%.

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

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

New Issue Brief: Why Medicare's Competitive Bidding Program Needs Urgent Reform thumbnail

New Issue Brief: Why Medicare's Competitive Bidding Program Needs Urgent Reform The Medicare competitive bidding program for durable medical equipment (DME) was designed to reduce costs—but it's failing patients and providers. A new issue brief from Pacific Research Institute and economist Wayne Winegarden highlights what changes are urgently needed.

Champions of Change: DME Advocates Driving Real Change thumbnail

Champions of Change: DME Advocates Driving Real Change Real change starts with real people. In this edition of Champions of Change, we're spotlighting two DME advocates who aren't just talking about problems—they're taking action. David Griffin and Gary Rench are showing us what it means to stand up for patients, providers, and the future of our industry.

Join HME Industry Letter on CB Program to CMS Administrator Oz thumbnail

Join HME Industry Letter on CB Program to CMS Administrator Oz HME suppliers, manufacturers, and distributors are invited to add their company's name to a letter to CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz regarding the Administration's DMEPOS/Home Health Proposed Rule that includes provisions for a new competitive bidding round. The letter specifically asks CMS to withdraw or delay the DMEPOS provisions in the Proposed Rule and re-engage with industry, patient, and clinical stakeholders to design an evidence-based, fraud-resistant, America-First framework.

Take Action Today: Urge CMS to Pause and Re-Evaluate the Competitive Bidding Program thumbnail

Take Action Today: Urge CMS to Pause and Re-Evaluate the Competitive Bidding Program Now is the time to raise our voices. With the formal announcement of the Competitive Bidding (CB) Program expected as early as the end of this month, we must act swiftly and decisively. Below are two key opportunities to engage with your U.S. Representative and encourage their support for a Congressional letter urging Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to pause and reassess the CB Program.

Legislative Momentum in the HME Industry: Key Updates & Action Items thumbnail

Legislative Momentum in the HME Industry: Key Updates & Action Items The past few months have seen a surge of legislative activity in the home medical equipment sector, with several key developments shaping policy and advocacy efforts across the industry. From new bills introduced in Congress to formal comment submissions and stakeholder mobilization, these events reflect growing momentum around critical issues affecting providers and patients alike. This article offers a comprehensive recap of recent actions and outlines important next steps for those...

Give your business an advantage over the competition.

Become a Member