A Letter From the President: Are You Feeling the [March] Madness?

Published in Member Communities on March 11, 2025

By Lindy Tentinger, President, VGM & Associates

The last few months have brought an overwhelming amount of uncertainty and stress. From the ongoing back-and-forth regarding tariffs to the ever-evolving challenges surrounding reimbursement and claims, the pressure on your businesses is palpable. We are deeply aware of the fatigue that many of you are feeling, especially as the market continues to grow at a rapid pace, increasing both demand and complexity. On top of that, navigating through the changes in the landscape, which seem to shift nearly every day, only adds to the burden.

You are not alone. VGM & Associates’ entire purpose, as your member service organization, is to be a steadfast partner in helping you manage these hurdles. While we recognize the current noise in the industry might feel deafening at times, we want to assure you that we will not be quiet when it comes to advocating for your needs. Our commitment to you is solid—we are here to help you stay informed, equipped, and empowered as you work to thrive in this challenging environment.

Every decision we make, every resource we provide, and every advocacy effort we pursue is designed with your business in mind. From offering guidance on navigating tariffs to helping you streamline your reimbursement processes, we are dedicated to advancing your business and the HME industry as a whole. We understand the stakes, and we are here to make sure you have what you need to continue to serve your patients, manage your operations, and grow your business.

In fact, as part of our ongoing efforts to advocate for you, VGM Group recently sent a letter to the federal administration asking for medical devices to be exempt from tariffs. This is part of our commitment to ensuring that the challenges you face are heard at the highest levels of government. We are determined to push for solutions that protect your business and ensure that you can continue to provide the best possible care for your patients without the burden of additional financial pressures.

If you would like to engage further in advocacy, sign up for notifications from our Government Relations team. We’re also encouraging members to host legislators and their staff at your location. This is a great opportunity to provide lawmakers with a firsthand look at the challenges and solutions your business is experiencing. If you’re interested in hosting a legislative visit, please reach out to our Government Relations team. They’re ready to help coordinate and facilitate these important meetings, ensuring that your voice is heard where it matters most.

It's That Time of Year – Plan Your Trip to Iowa and See the ROI

We are excited to share that registration for Heartland Conference 2025 is now open. This premier and exclusive event is tailor-made for HME providers, offering VGM members like you an invaluable chance to engage with peers, industry leaders, and experts. Be sure to secure your spot and take advantage of early bird rates ending April 18.

Heartland Conference is known for its intimate and focused atmosphere, where VGM members can discuss the issues that matter most to their businesses. Whether you’re looking to stay ahead of regulatory changes, improve your operational efficiencies, or gain insights into the future of our industry, Heartland offers tailored content that addresses the unique challenges you face with a true Midwestern welcome. Not to mention, it’s an opportunity to network with other VGM members who share your passion for making a difference in the lives of patients.

If you haven’t attended Heartland Conference before, or it’s been a few years, here are some reasons why you should:

Exclusivity: The Heartland Conference is only open to VGM members, creating a tight-knit community of professionals who understand the nuances of our industry.
Actionable Content: With expert speakers, interactive panels, and breakout sessions, you’ll walk away with actionable strategies and insights to implement in your own business.
Networking Opportunities: Forge new relationships and strengthen existing ones with industry leaders, colleagues, and vendor partners offering products, services, and innovative solutions for your business. The connections you make here can have lasting impacts for you.
Inspiration & Advocacy: The conference provides a platform to discuss the future of HME, explore advocacy efforts, and learn about new technologies and tools that can support your operations.

Heartland Conference is a chance to recharge, refocus, and reconnect with the core values that drive our industry forward. Whether you’re seeking new solutions for your business or simply looking to stay informed about the latest trends, Heartland is the place to be. We can’t wait to see you in sunny Iowa in June!

As always, we remain committed to supporting you through every challenge, providing the resources you need to succeed, and advocating for the issues that matter most to your business. We’ll continue to be a voice for you amid all the noise—and together, we’ll make sure the HME industry remains strong, resilient, and ready for the future.

Thank you for your continued trust and partnership. We’re in this together.

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