Their letter points out that CMS has taken action in the past to ensure access to DME, including applying the 50/50 blended rate for HME in rural areas on a permanent basis.  The letter also highlights the disconnect between DME Medicare rates and the rising costs suppliers face.

This relief is critically needed to help suppliers nationwide who have been impacted in the wake of the expiration of 75-25 rates at the end of 2023.  In a recent survey, HME suppliers have reported cutting back on the products and services offered, reducing service areas, laying off staff, and/or using personal savings to keep their businesses in operation, for now.  Over 1 in 10 surveyed are actively considering or planning to close their business entirely. 

A pre-written message is shown on the right-hand side of the page; you are encouraged to add information to that message about how Medicare rate cuts have impacted your company’s work supporting your patients and communities. Please also share this link with your colleagues and contacts and ask them to take action, as well.

See the sign-on letter text from Reps. Miller-Meeks, Paul Tonko, and Feenstra for additional detail.