Reps. Mullin, Tonko introduce DMEPOS Relief Act
By HME News Staff
Updated 8:09 PM CST, Tue February 8, 2022
WASHINGTON – Reps. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., and Paul Tonko, D-N.Y., have introduced a bill that would implement a 90-10 blended reimbursement rate for the 13 product categories that were removed from the current round of Medicare’s competitive bidding program.
The DMEPOS Relief Act would implement a previously used rate by CMS based 90% on bid pricing and 10% on the 2015 fee schedule, representing about a 10% to 15% increase compared to the current rates, to help address rising costs from the COVID-19 pandemic and inflation.
“Now more than ever, Americans need access to affordable home medical equipment, but outdated reimbursement rates for lifesaving medical equipment is making it increasingly difficult for small businesses to deliver that vital care,” Tonko said.
The blended rate would be in effect from Jan. 1, 2022, through Dec. 31, 2023.
Industry stakeholders need to go “all in” on advocacy efforts to get broad support for the bill in Congress, AAHomecare’s Tom Ryan says.
“This new legislation is an opportunity to secure a meaningful increase for Medicare reimbursements covering major HME product lines,” said Ryan, president and CEO of the association. “We have to go all-in on advocacy efforts to make sure Congress understands the need to pass this legislation and invest in cost-effective and clinically proven home-based care. That campaign starts now.”
Joining the bill as original co-sponsors are Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa., Fred Keller, R-Pa., Frank Mrvan, D-Ind., Tom Reed, R-N.Y., and Terri Sewell, D-Ala.
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