WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 10, 2022)—Legislation to apply 90/10 blended Medicare reimbursement rate for home medical equipment (HME) in former competitive bidding areas (CBA) has been formally introduced in the United States House of Representatives. The DMEPOS Relief Act of 2022 (HR 6641) would boost rates for items in the 13 product categories whose bid results were not implemented in Round 2021. These increased rates would apply from Jan. 1, 2022 through Dec. 31, 2023.
Reps. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) and Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.) shed light on their reasons for leading the way on the bill as part of a press release on the new measure.
“In my district, many of these small businesses are the only suppliers of home medical equipment for miles. They must stay in business to ensure patient access,” Mullin said. “Rural areas already face unique challenges when it comes to quality health care. Access to HME, such as oxygen tanks and walkers, is critical for patients to continue living out their daily lives from the comfort of their homes. I am proud Rep. Tonko is joining me in introducing this bill to help patients get the care they need.”
“Now more than ever, Americans need access to affordable home medical equipment, but outdated reimbursement rates for lifesaving medical equipment is making it increasingly difficult for small businesses to deliver that vital care,” Tonko said. “I’m proud to join Congressman Mullin to introduce bipartisan legislation that will address the rising cost of care and will help ensure that our seniors and all patients are supported.”
“Medicare reimbursement rates for home medical equipment haven’t kept pace with rising product and operational costs for suppliers over the last several years. This legislation will help bring rates and market realities in line and allow suppliers to continue to support seniors and other vulnerable patients at home,” said Tom Ryan, AAHomecare president and CEO. “We thank Congressmen Mullin and Tonko for spearheading this legislation and recognizing how high-quality, home-based care can deliver better patient outcomes while reducing overall health care costs.”
“This new legislation is an opportunity to secure a meaningful increase for Medicare reimbursements covering major HME product lines,” added Ryan. “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.”
Other House members joining the bill as original cosponsors include Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pennsylvania), Fred Keller (R-Pennsylvania) Frank Mrvan (D-Indiana), Tom Reed (R-New York), and Terri Sewell (D-Alabama).
Draft bill text can be found here.
AAHomecare is encouraging members to reach out to their representatives to join on as cosponsors of the bill. Members can visit the association’s Campaign Central page for language and to find their representative’s contact info.
