Why it Matters

ResMed’s hiring of Ice Miller LLP represents a strategic pivot for the medical device giant. After working with DLA Piper LLP (US) from 2021-2025, ResMed is expanding beyond healthcare-specific lobbying. Ice Miller brings manufacturing and appropriations expertise that ResMed previously lacked. The move comes as Congress considers multiple bills affecting sleep apnea treatment and remote monitoring.

By the Numbers

ResMed has been lobbying federally for over two decades, dating back to 2004. The company has worked with five different lobbying firms over that period. Ice Miller’s team includes five lobbyists: Ryan Lee Jarmula, Timothy Michael Day, Dennis Michael Stroud Jr., Michael Joseph Heaton, and one unnamed lobbyist. The initial filing shows $0 in lobbying costs, typical for new registrations.

Broader Context

Congress is actively addressing medical device cybersecurity and telehealth access expansion. Recent hearings have examined cybersecurity vulnerabilities in legacy medical devices and biomedical innovation for VA healthcare. These developments directly impact connected medical device companies like ResMed. The 119th Congress has also prioritized seniors’ access to breakthrough medical technologies.

The Agenda

ResMed’s 2025 lobbying focuses on four key areas: manufacturing, veterans issues, medical research, and health issues. The filing broadly states activities will address “Issues related to ResMed Corp.” Historically, ResMed has lobbied on Medicare reimbursement for durable medical equipment, competitive bidding programs, and supply chain issues. The company has also sought new Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System codes for its products.

Competitive Landscape

ResMed faces lobbying competition from direct rivals and industry players. Philips Electronics lobbies on CPAP device recalls and Medicare reimbursement. Durable medical equipment companies Lincare Holdings and Rotech Healthcare focus on competitive bidding reform. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine advocates for sleep apnea testing and research funding.

Between The Lines

Congress is considering several bills benefiting ResMed’s business model. The Expanding Remote Monitoring Access Act would reduce Medicare data requirements from 16 to 2 days. The bipartisan SOAR Act aims to reform Medicare’s oxygen benefit system. Members like Representatives Miller-Meeks, Feenstra, Panetta, and Tonko reintroduced the DMEPOS Relief Act to address outdated reimbursement rates. The House passed a resolution recognizing sleep health importance.

The Bottom Line

Ice Miller’s broader policy expertise positions ResMed for a more comprehensive lobbying approach. The firm’s manufacturing and appropriations background complements ongoing congressional activity on medical device issues. ResMed’s timing aligns with significant legislative momentum on telehealth and device reimbursement reform.

All data used in this article came from Legis1. Request a demo to learn more!