Grassroots efforts heated up during August recess, support builds for H.R. 2005

WASHINGTON – During the August recess, DME suppliers across the country seized the opportunity to engage with lawmakers and advocate for critical DMEPOS legislation, according to VGM Government Relations.  

From West... 

In Dallas, Laurie Bachorek, director of rehab at Baxter Management/MetroCare, hosted U.S. Rep. Marc Veasey, D-Texas, a member of the influential House Energy and Commerce Committee. Veasey spent the day working alongside the MetroCare team to gain firsthand insight into the challenges faced by the DME community. 

“He trained with our ATP and rehab tech in the morning, toured the facility and rode along to deliver a repaired powerchair to a patient near his district,” said Bachorek. 

This immersive experience gave Veasey a deeper understanding of the essential services DME providers deliver every day. Most notably, he committed to supporting H.R. 2005, which would re-establish 75/25 blended Medicare reimbursement rates in non-rural/non-bid areas could help to fortify the market and access. 

...to East 

Lauryn Estrella, executive director for the Home Medical Equipment and Services Association of New England (HOMES), coordinated nine meetings with federal legislators across the six states represented by the association.  

“Since the early 2000s, HOMES has made it a priority to meet with federal legislators throughout New England during August recess,” said Estrella. “This year, we aimed to re-establish those connections while lawmakers were back in their district offices. These relationships—and their support—are vital to our industry. There’s nothing better than walking into a meeting and hearing, ‘What am I signing onto today?’” 

VGM says these impactful engagements during the August recess demonstrate the power of direct advocacy and storytelling in shaping policy. 

“By opening their doors and sharing their experiences, DME providers are helping lawmakers understand the real-world implications of their decisions,” the company says. “As we move forward, continued collaboration and outreach will be essential to advancing legislation that protects access to quality care and supports the DME community. Let’s keep the momentum going—every conversation counts.” 

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