Funding package moves forward without DME relief

WASHINGTON – Provisions to restore Medicare 75/25 blended rates in non-bidding, non-rural areas are not a part of the legislative package released late Tuesday, according to a bulletin from AAHomecare.

The measure to keep the government funded through mid-March 2025 is on track for a House vote tonight and Senate consideration by Friday.

Industry stakeholders have been working all year to build support for its priority legislation, H.R. 5555 and S. 1294, which would extend the blended rates for an additional year. While DME relief had tremendous support on the Hill, negotiators could not reach an agreement on the DME relief, and the 75/25 provisions were not included in the final bill, says the association.
 
“While we are disappointed to come up short in securing this relief, AAHomecare is looking ahead to taking up this issue again when the 119th Congress convenes in January. AAHomecare leaders discussed strategy to move forward on a call yesterday. The new Congress and Administration can provide good opportunities to modernize the DME benefit, including the 75/25 relief measures and improving rates in competitive bidding areas, as well as moving e-prescribing forward.”

AAHomecare will also work to build relationships with new leadership at Health and Human Services and CMS. The association is also planning a “large-scale” in-person Legislative Conference in May.

“Thanks to the hundreds of HME leaders who lent their energy and expertise to our efforts this year, both in pressing their legislators and in encouraging their peers to become more actively involved. Your advocacy is the prime factor behind our past successes and will be the foundation for securing relief and other opportunities in 2025 and beyond,” says AAHomecare.