AAH: ‘It’s time to get to work’ 

WASHINGTON – Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, R-Iowa, along with three original cosponsors, has introduced a bi-partisan bill to establish a 75-25 blended Medicare reimbursement rate for DMEPOS in non-competitive bidding, non-rural areas through the end of 2025. 

Rep. Paul Tonko, D-N.Y., who along with Miller-Meeks is a member of the House Energy & Commerce Committee, and Reps. Randy Feenstra, R-Iowa, and Jimmy Panetta, D-Calif., who are members of the Ways & Means Committee, cosponsored the DMEPOS Relief Act of 2025. 

“Seeing this legislation quickly reintroduced in the early stages of the 119th Congress shows that our champions understand the need for restoring the 75/25 rate relief that expired at the end of 2023,” said Tom Ryan, AAHomecare president and CEO. “We have bipartisan support, co-sponsors from the committees of jurisdiction for health care finance issues, and a passionate base of HME advocates who are ready to engage their legislators. It’s time to get to work!” 

The bill, H.R. 2005, will be a major talking point during a recently scheduled Washington Legislative Conference on May 12-13, AAHomecare’s first full-scale, in-person conference in six years. 

AAHomecare also has guidance and suggested messaging on contacting representatives to cosponsor the bill on its website. 

VGM Group, which is based in Iowa, the home state of both Miller-Meeks and Feenstra, is proud the two representatives are supporting the bill right out of the gate, says Ike Isaacson, senior vice president of government and regulatory relations.

"Several years ago, I made a six-hour drive to Hull, Iowa, to meet with a newly elected representative," he said. "Meeting Rep. Feenstra for the first time, I was impressed by his knowledge of health care and his commitment to supporting people in their homes. Fast forward to today, and we are thrilled to have Ways & Means member Rep. Feenstra championing the DMEPOS Relief Act (H.R. 2005). Adding to the strong Iowa connection is our friend and champion, Rep. Miller-Meeks. This VGM relationship began at the state level when she served in the Iowa Legislature. VGM is proud to collaborate with our Iowa representatives, legislators across the country, industry stakeholders and our members to be true champions of change."

Last year, similar bills in the House and Senate, H.R. 5555 and S. 1294, failed to make it into an end-of-year spending package. 

But earlier this year, stakeholders said they were “ready to fight again.” 

Here's what the bill's sponsors and cosponsors had to say:

• "Seniors and individuals with disabilities rely on durable medical equipment to maintain their health and independence," said Miller-Meeks. "This bill ensures that those in need can continue to access essential equipment without unnecessary financial or logistical burdens. We must provide stability for patients, suppliers, and healthcare providers alike."
• “Durable medical equipment like wheelchairs, oxygen tanks, walkers, and blood sugar monitors are critical for our seniors and Iowans recovering from surgery. However, our neighbors in rural communities face higher costs for these devices and DME providers often absorb these increased prices because of outdated reimbursement policies. That must change,” said Rep. Feenstra. “That’s why I’m glad to help introduce legislation to ensure that our rural DME providers can serve our seniors and those in need without facing major financial losses or closing their doors for good. This bill would help ensure lower prices for Iowans who need these services and keep local providers in business.”
• "Access to affordable home health equipment represents a critical need for countless Americans across the nation. Unfortunately, outdated reimbursement rates have made it increasingly difficult for seniors and other patients to access this vital care." said Rep. Tonko. "That’s why I’m proud to join Congresswoman Miller-Meeks in introducing the DMEPOS Relief Act of 2025 – legislation that will address the rising costs of this care and ensure every patient has access to the lifesaving equipment they need to live longer, healthier lives."
• “Rising costs and outdated Medicare reimbursement rates are threatening patient access to critical medical equipment,” said Rep. Panetta. “The DMEPOS Relief Act will help address this challenge by extending much-needed blended payment rates, ensuring that suppliers can continue providing essential care. By stabilizing reimbursements, we are taking a necessary step to support patients, suppliers, and the sustainability of home-based medical care.”