WASHINGTON—Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) have just introduced S.1294, legislation to further extend the Medicare 75/25 blended rate for non-rural, non-CBA home medical equipment (HME) suppliers through the end of 2024.
"This bill would provide an additional measure relief and stability for non-rural, non-CBA suppliers and also have positive impacts on rates from other payers who are influenced by Medicare rates." said Tom Ryan, AAHomecare president & CEO. "This is a top advocacy priority for AAHomecare and the HME community, and we need to get every segment of our industry behind it."
"Senator Thune and Senator Stabenow have been persistent and effective champions for HME on this issue," Ryan added. "I know that HME advocates are ready to help find more co-sponsors for their legislation."
S. 1294 extends relief granted in 2022 Omnibus budget legislation keeping 75/25 rates for an additional year. Sen. Thune and Sen. Stabenow, along with Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), played leading roles in ensuring the 75/25 rates were part of the final Omnibus package last December.
AAHomecare pointed out that the new legislation comes just before more than 50 HME leaders from around the country are set to come to Washington on May 9-10 for the organization's organized Capitol Hill legislative visits. Building support for the new bill will be a priority for these Hill visits, and the organization plans to also build grassroots support.
