Miller-Meeks, Colleagues Reintroduce Legislation to Protect Access to Medical Equipment for Seniors and Americans with Disabilities

Washington, D.C. – Today, Representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), Randy Feenstra (R-IA), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) and Paul Tonko (D-NY) reintroduced the DMEPOS Relief Act of 2025 to ensure continued access to durable medical equipment (DME) for seniors and individuals with disabilities. This bill extends critical relief first provided in the 2022 Omnibus Appropriations Act, preventing steep reimbursement cuts that would jeopardize 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."

“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rural communities face higher costs for these devices and DME providers often absorb these increased prices because of outdated reimbursement policies.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,” said Rep. Feenstra. “That’s why I’m glad to help introduce legislation to ensure that our rural DME providers can serve our seniors and those in need without facing major financial losses or closing their doors for good. This bill would help ensure lower prices for Iowans who need these services and keep local providers in business.”

"Access to affordable home health equipment represents a critical need for countless Americans across the nation. Unfortunately, outdated reimbursement rates have made it increasingly difficult for seniors and other patients to access this vital care." said Rep. Tonko. "That’s why I’m proud to join Congresswoman Miller-Meeks in introducing the DMEPOS Relief Act of 2025 – legislation that will address the rising costs of this care and ensure every patient has access to the lifesaving equipment they need to live longer, healthier lives."

“Rising costs and outdated Medicare reimbursement rates are threatening patient access to critical medical equipment,” said Rep. Panetta.  “The DMEPOS Relief Act will help address this challenge by extending much-needed blended payment rates, ensuring that suppliers can continue providing essential care. By stabilizing reimbursements, we are taking a necessary step to support patients, suppliers, and the sustainability of home-based medical care.”

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