A Note from the SVP, Mike "Ike" Isaacson

Published in Government Relations on December 01, 2023

Mike IsaacsonBy Mike Isaacson, SVP, VGM Government and Regulatory Relations

I hope this newsletter finds you healthy, happy, and focused on finishing out a great year! As many of you may have read, I have begun to focus more on our industry’s advocacy efforts and ensuring that VGM is here to support you in the legislative and regulatory aspects of your business. I know firsthand that some of you are dialed into the advocacy world, while others may not view these activities as an important part of your business. In our current government climate, I implore you to re-evaluate your advocacy engagement. 

Over the past few months, we have been talking about two major bills being discussed in Congress. I know that we have covered them extensively in our communication with you, and for good reason. Senate File 1294 and House Resolution 5555 are vital to the success of your business. If you need to brush up on these pieces of legislation, click here to read a full explanation of each bill and the cosponsors on each. Bottom line, these bills continue the existing reimbursement for the support and service you offer your people every day. Without them, your reimbursement will be reduced significantly. 

We have heard from many legislators that your communication with them is being heard. Your stories are being referenced in fiscal meetings and in caucus rooms. To those who have reached out, thank you, you are making a difference! For those who have not, I understand that you have competing priorities, including serving patients, training staff, hiring staff, etc. All these things can get in the way. There is also the “comfort factor” that comes into play. If advocacy is not something that you have done before, it can be a bit intimidating or feel complex. That is why we have made it extremely easy for you to let your voice be heard.  

I would like to introduce our new VGM Government Action Center. With a brief personalized message from you and a few clicks of the mouse, you are now able to be a Champion of Change and voice your support for your patients and your staff. It is simple, quick, and IMPACTFUL!  

I look forward to supporting you in your advocacy efforts and am excited to continue offering new ways to tell your stories! Stay tuned to this newsletter and other communication from the VGM Government & Regulatory team for more information and opportunities to be a Champion of Change in your business, community, and industry! 

Ike 


TAGS

  1. vgm
  2. vgm government

From Our Experts

VGM Group Submits Comments on CMS-6098-NC Request for Information (RFI) Related to Comprehensive Regulations to Uncover Suspicious Healthcare (CRUSH). thumbnail VGM Group Submits Comments on CMS-6098-NC Request for Information (RFI) Related to Comprehensive Regulations to Uncover Suspicious Healthcare (CRUSH). The comments reflect VGM Group's support of CMS' goal of strengthening program integrity and shares CMS' commitment to protecting Medicare beneficiaries and taxpayer dollars from fraud, waste, and abuse. DME suppliers already operate in a highly regulated environment and have a direct interest in ensuring that anti-fraud initiatives are precisely targeted, data driven, and operationally feasible, so that legitimate suppliers can continue to serve beneficiaries without unnecessary disruption. Call To Action - Access to Power Seat Elevation on Standard PWCs Threatened thumbnail Call To Action - Access to Power Seat Elevation on Standard PWCs Threatened As reported by NCART: Do you use, recommend or provide power seat elevation for individuals with any of the diagnoses below? If so, and you answer YES to any of the questions below, it is important for Medicare to hear your story in writing by midnight on Saturday, April 4 at PMDRecon@noridian.com. Florida Becomes First State To Follow Medicare; Issues A Six-month Moratorium On DMEPOS Suppliers Enrolling In Medicaid thumbnail Florida Becomes First State To Follow Medicare; Issues A Six-month Moratorium On DMEPOS Suppliers Enrolling In Medicaid As reported by The van Halem Group: On Thursday, March 26, 2026, the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) issued a temporary moratorium on enrollment of new Medicaid providers for Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS). CMS Rule Phases Out Fax Machines, Snail Mail to Save Taxpayers $781.98 Million a Year thumbnail CMS Rule Phases Out Fax Machines, Snail Mail to Save Taxpayers $781.98 Million a Year As reported by CMS: “The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is slashing wasteful spending and antiquated paperwork by swapping out faxing and mailing for streamlined electronic transactions. This action lets providers spend less time on administrative hassle and more time caring for patients. PAMES Raises Critical Concerns Over Sole-Source Supply Shift thumbnail PAMES Raises Critical Concerns Over Sole-Source Supply Shift PAMES and DME suppliers across Washington are taking an important stand on behalf of both providers and patients. The Tacoma Daily Index recently reported on the state's plan to move to a sole-source contract for incontinence and urological supplies. Under this decision, the Health Care Authority intends to transition all Medicaid recipients to receiving these products from a single vendor. SBA Advocacy: Your Input Matters thumbnail SBA Advocacy: Your Input Matters Make your voice heard about how the CBP has affected your business. New Bipartisan Senate Bill Aims to Improve Access to Diabetes Technology & Education for Medicare Beneficiaries thumbnail New Bipartisan Senate Bill Aims to Improve Access to Diabetes Technology & Education for Medicare Beneficiaries U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Susan Collins (R-ME), Cochairs of the Senate Diabetes Caucus, have introduced the Diabetes Interventions Addressing Barriers to Enrollment, Technology, and Education Services (DIABETES) Act, S.4037. VGM Reintroduces the Fraud, Waste & Abuse Reporting Resource Center thumbnail VGM Reintroduces the Fraud, Waste & Abuse Reporting Resource Center VGM Government Relations is proud to announce the reintroduction of its Fraud, Waste & Abuse (FWA) Reporting Resource Center—a newly refreshed online hub designed to protect the integrity of the DMEPOS industry and reinforce our unwavering commitment to ethical, compliant care.