Stakeholders mobilize against CMS bidding rule, rally behind H.R. 2005 ‘This is a real pivotal moment for our industry’
By Theresa Flaherty
Updated 1:30 PM CDT, Fri July 25, 2025
WASHINGTON – Industry stakeholders are telling lawmakers they have big issues with CMS’s plans for the next round of competitive bidding. They’re also using the program as a vehicle for continuing conversations about H.R. 2005.
“We want to use the opportunity to speak to our health care champions about the concerns there, the most egregious being the overreach of CMS in trying to get urological supplies included,” said Tom Ryan, president and CEO of AAHomecare. “They are ignoring the statutory authority. And when you start talking about other components of the rule, there are so many more issues beyond just that overreach.”
CMS on June 30 released a proposed rule that includes provisions for the next round of the bid program. Those provisions include new rate-setting methodologies, a new annual reaccreditation requirement, and new product categories, including continuous glucose monitors and disposable medical supplies.
Doubling down on impact
AAHomecare has developed eight talking points and questions for lawmakers, CMS and “anybody else who is a part of this rule,” says Ryan. Among them: Will CMS target at least 30% of contract awards for small suppliers, as it has done in the past?
With the total number of supplier locations declining 37% since the widespread implementation of the program in 2013, fears of further contraction of the market – and a loss of access for beneficiaries – is a big concern. 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.
“My goal with this bidding news it that it should draw attention to just how important that non-bid, non-rural areas are and if we get this done (through our legislation), it gives us a much better roadway to look at how the rule finalizes and how we can potentially work with CMS,” he said.
Leveraging key allies
Stakeholders met recently with members of the House Ways and Means and Senate Finance committees, as well as industry champion Rep. Dan Meuser, R-Pa., to talk up H.R. 2005.
“We had two days of discussions with the congressman and he’s making competitive bidding a top priority,” said Jay Witter, senior vice president of government relations for AAHomecare. “He knows folks at the White House, he knows the president and he was spot on during our discussions. He will be a great champion, as well as other members of the House and Senate.”
With lawmakers back in their home districts for the rest of the summer, it’s time to mobilize the industry, says Witter.
“We’re working with the state leaders, which are great grassroots engines and have great connections, but also, the Hill staff is still working,” he said. “As far as we’re concerned, we’ll proceed with Hill visits to educate members.”
Prepping for comments
AAHomecare, along with the Council for Quality Respiratory Care and VGM, have also begun collaborating to gather feedback and prepare comments on the proposed rule. They recently launched a new survey to gauge the impact of the proposed reaccreditation requirement.
“I’m getting multiple calls and emails from VGM members across the country and hearing a lot of concern,” said Ike Isaacson, senior vice president of government and regulatory relations for VGM & Associates. “I’m asking them to turn that concern, and that frustration, into action. What do these changes mean and how does it impact their business? This is a real pivotal moment for our industry.”
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