95 Reps Ask CMS & HHS to Release DME Rule

WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 13, 2021)—Ninety-five members of the House of Representatives have joined a Congressional sign-on letter urging the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to finalize the durable medical equipment (DME) rule and extend the 50/50 blended rates for suppliers serving rural areas. The letter also encourages the agencies to engage with patient and supplier stakeholders to consider adjusting Medicare payment rates for DME items removed from competitive bidding Round 2021 to account for the increased costs and current market realities facing DME manufacturers and suppliers.

The letter, spearheaded by Reps. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Paul Tonko (D-NY), includes 40 signees from the two committees of jurisdiction for Medicare policy, the Energy & Commerce and Ways & Means.

“The great showing on this letter is a result of the strong impression that participants in our first-ever virtual Washington Legislative Conference made on Capitol Hill, coupled with sustained grassroots advocacy efforts from DME stakeholders,” noted Tom Ryan, AAHomecare president and CEO. “It’s also a real testament to the influence that Reps. Cathy McMorris Rodgers and Paul Tonko have with their peers on the Hill. AAHomecare and the DME community are thankful for their continued leadership on protecting patient access to high-quality, home-based care.”

See the finalized letter here, and find a complete list of signers by state.