River Bend Times

Representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Randy Feenstra, Jimmy Panetta, and Paul Tonko have reintroduced the DMEPOS Relief Act of 2025. The bill aims to maintain access to durable medical equipment (DME) for seniors and individuals with disabilities by extending relief initially provided in the 2022 Omnibus Appropriations Act. This move seeks to prevent significant reimbursement cuts that could hinder access to essential medical supplies.

"Seniors and individuals with disabilities rely on durable medical equipment to maintain their health and independence," said Miller-Meeks. "This bill ensures that those in need can continue to access essential equipment without unnecessary financial or logistical burdens. We must provide stability for patients, suppliers, and healthcare providers alike."

Rep. Feenstra highlighted the importance of affordable DME for rural communities: “Durable medical equipment like wheelchairs, oxygen tanks, walkers, and blood sugar monitors are critical for our seniors and Iowans recovering from surgery. However, our neighbors in rural communities face higher costs for these devices and DME providers often absorb these increased prices because of outdated reimbursement policies. That must change.”

"Access to affordable home health equipment represents a critical need for countless Americans across the nation," added Rep. Tonko. He expressed his support for the legislation alongside Congresswoman Miller-Meeks as it addresses rising costs of care.

Rep. Panetta emphasized the threat posed by rising costs and outdated Medicare reimbursement rates: “Rising costs and outdated Medicare reimbursement rates are threatening patient access to critical medical equipment,” he stated.

The proposed legislation extends a blended payment rate structure through 2024—75/25 for non-rural areas outside Competitive Bidding Areas and 90/10 within former Competitive Bidding Areas—to tackle supply chain cost issues while ensuring ongoing care availability.