DME Lobbying Registration Marks Breg’s Federal Advocacy Entry

Durable medical equipment lobbying has expanded with Breg Inc.’s first federal advocacy registration, signaling the orthopedic sports medicine company’s strategic push into healthcare policy. Breg Inc. has hired Health Policy Source Inc. to focus on durable medical equipment reimbursement in Medicare and Veterans Affairs programs, entering a competitive landscape of established DME advocates.

Why It Matters

This registration marks the sports medicine company’s entry into federal advocacy. The orthopedic products provider’s focus on durable medical equipment reimbursement coincides with multiple congressional efforts to reform DME policies and protect patient access. The timing reflects growing legislative attention to Medicare coverage improvements for orthotic and prosthetic devices and rural healthcare access concerns driving legislative attention to DME provider sustainability.

By the Numbers

  • New lobbying engagement: This is Breg Inc.’s first lobbying registration, filed August 31, 2024
  • Lobbying firm expertise: Health Policy Source has filed over 1,300 disclosures for 100+ clients, totaling $25+ million in lobbying expenditures
  • Team composition: Four lobbyists will represent Breg: Keith A. Snider, Daniel Tyler Boston, Cynthia Rose Oliver, and Gayle Ley Gerdes
  • Congressional experience: Only Gerdes has Hill experience, serving as Legislative Assistant to Rep. Chris John (D-LA-7) in 2001

Legislative Context and Initiatives

Congress is actively examining durable medical equipment reimbursement and access issues. Key legislation includes the Medicare Orthotics and Prosthetics Patient-Centered Care Act (S.2329/H.R.4475), targeting “drop-shipped” device restrictions and practitioner qualifications. The DMEPOS Relief Act would extend blended payment rates to prevent reimbursement cuts. Veterans’ healthcare modernization efforts include expanded prosthetic and adaptive equipment coverage.

Breg’s Lobbying Agenda

Breg will lobby on “DME efforts in federal programs” within Veterans’ Affairs and Medicare/Medicaid issue areas. The company hasn’t specified particular legislation targets but their focus aligns with ongoing congressional debates over competitive bidding reforms and reimbursement rate protection.

The Competitive Landscape

Breg joins established durable medical equipment industry advocates including Pride Mobility Products Corp., Rotech Healthcare Inc., and the American Association for Homecare. These organizations have lobbied on competitive bidding reform, wheelchair coverage, and oxygen equipment policies. Oliver’s previous work with DJO Global Inc. on Medicare DME issues provides relevant industry experience that strengthens Breg’s lobbying efforts.

Congressional Focus Areas

Recent hearings have addressed sports medicine applications for seniors and VA prosthetic modernization. Rep. Randy Feenstra has emphasized rural durable medical equipment access challenges, while Sen. Steve Daines has promoted orthotic coverage improvements. These legislative priorities suggest sustained congressional interest in DME policy reform.

The Bottom Line

Breg’s durable medical equipment lobb