DMEPOS Relief Act of 2025
- Bill Number
- H.R. 2005
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-03-10: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-15T08:07:15Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The DMEPOS Relief Act of 2025 aims to provide temporary adjustments to Medicare payment rates for certain durable medical equipment (DME), prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS). These items were previously part of the 2021 round of the Medicare competitive bidding program, which sets prices through supplier bids in specific areas. The bill extends transition rules for payments in non-competitive bidding areas to ensure stability in reimbursement rates.
Key Provisions
- Extension of Transition Rule for Non-Rural/Noncontiguous Areas: The Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) must apply a specific transition rule (outlined in federal regulation 42 CFR 414.210(g)(9)(v)) to all relevant DMEPOS items in areas that are neither rural nor noncontiguous (e.g., urban or suburban regions) until December 31, 2025. This rule blends old and new payment rates during a shift away from competitive bidding.
- Delay for All Areas: HHS is prohibited from implementing another regulation (42 CFR 414.210(g)(9)(vi)), which would fully transition to adjusted payment rates, until January 1, 2026, across all geographic areas.
- Implementation Flexibility: HHS can enact these changes through program instructions or other methods, without needing new rulemaking.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- The bill modifies current Medicare regulations under the Social Security Act by extending the timeline for transitioning payment rates post-competitive bidding. Previously, these transitions were set to occur earlier, potentially leading to lower reimbursement rates sooner. This delays full implementation of reduced rates, providing a longer "relief" period for suppliers and beneficiaries.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: HHS will need to update Medicare payment systems and issue instructions, potentially reducing administrative burdens from abrupt changes but requiring short-term monitoring to ensure compliance.
- On Citizens: Medicare beneficiaries who rely on DMEPOS (e.g., wheelchairs, oxygen equipment, or diabetic supplies) may experience more stable access and costs, as extended transition rates could prevent supplier shortages or price hikes in non-competitive areas.
- On International Relations: No direct impacts, as this is a domestic healthcare policy focused on U.S. Medicare.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Medicare Beneficiaries: Older adults and people with disabilities who use DMEPOS, benefiting from consistent equipment availability.
- DMEPOS Suppliers and Manufacturers: Companies providing these items, who gain payment stability to maintain operations without immediate rate cuts.
- Healthcare Providers: Doctors and facilities prescribing DMEPOS, indirectly affected through smoother supply chains.
- HHS and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS): Responsible for overseeing implementation and payments.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: The bill directs specific regulatory actions without altering broader Medicare statutes, relying on existing Code of Federal Regulations. It grants HHS flexibility in implementation, which could streamline enforcement but might invite challenges if seen as bypassing standard procedures.
- Constitutional: No apparent issues, as it involves congressional authority over federal spending and healthcare programs under the Spending Clause.
- Political: Bipartisan sponsorship (from both parties) suggests broad support for protecting access to medical equipment amid concerns over competitive bidding's effects on rural and urban suppliers. It could influence future Medicare reforms by highlighting needs for payment adjustments in post-bidding transitions.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Miller-Meeks, Mariannette [R-IA-1]
Cosponsors (24)
Rep. Tonko, Paul [D-NY-20], Rep. Feenstra, Randy [R-IA-4], Rep. Panetta, Jimmy [D-CA-19], Rep. Meuser, Daniel [R-PA-9], Rep. Tenney, Claudia [R-NY-24], Rep. Thompson, Glenn [R-PA-15], Rep. Miller, Carol D. [R-WV-1], Rep. Aderholt, Robert B. [R-AL-4], Rep. Langworthy, Nicholas A. [R-NY-23], Rep. Harshbarger, Diana [R-TN-1], Rep. Nunn, Zachary [R-IA-3], Rep. Mrvan, Frank J. [D-IN-1], Rep. Hinson, Ashley [R-IA-2], Rep. Jackson, Ronny [R-TX-13], Rep. Kustoff, David [R-TN-8], Rep. Bergman, Jack [R-MI-1], Rep. Sewell, Terri A. [D-AL-7], Rep. Carson, André [D-IN-7], Rep. Carter, Earl L. "Buddy" [R-GA-1], Rep. Bost, Mike [R-IL-12], Rep. Walberg, Tim [R-MI-5], Rep. Moulton, Seth [D-MA-6], Rep. Messmer, Mark B. [R-IN-8], Rep. Bishop, Sanford D. [D-GA-2]
Recent Actions
- 2025-03-10: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2025-03-10: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2025-03-10: Introduced in House
- 2025-03-10: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- DMEPOS Relief Act of 2025 — issued 2025-03-10 — PDF (2 pages)