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

OMEPA Celebrates Another Successful Capitol Rally Day thumbnail OMEPA Celebrates Another Successful Capitol Rally Day Once again, OMEPA has been successful with state grassroots. On April 23, OMEPA members gathered at the Oklahoma Capitol in support of HB1712. Government Relations: Speak With One Voice thumbnail Government Relations: Speak With One Voice The DMEPOS industry must show a unified front, speak with a unified voice, and together be champions of change. Clarification on Standard Written Orders thumbnail Clarification on Standard Written Orders Recently the DME MACs released a Dear Physician Letter that clarified language on a standard written order (SWO) specifically related to CPAP masks. While the article was great news being welcomed by the industry, it also initiated additional conversation for other PAP supplies such as interfaces and tubing. Ronda Vlog: Further Updates on Refill Requirements and Dear Physician Letter thumbnail Ronda Vlog: Further Updates on Refill Requirements and Dear Physician Letter Be sure to watch this update from Ronda Buhrmester, Sr. Director of Payer Relations and Reimbursement, where she gives updates on the change to the refill requirement, effective Jan. 1, 2024 and the Dear Physician letter released in February. Change Health Resources thumbnail Change Health Resources VGM recognizes that many of our members in the DMEPOS provider community have been negatively impacted by the cyberattack on Change Healthcare that occurred on February 21, 2024. We continue to monitor the situation and promote the creation of resources to help providers navigate through this with as little negative impact to their business as possible. Insights from the 2024 State Leaders Summit thumbnail Insights from the 2024 State Leaders Summit The VGM State Leaders Summit concluded in early February at the VGM headquarters in Waterloo, IA. State leaders from home medical equipment (HME) state associations traveled to Waterloo to collaborate on their priorities for 2024 and find ways to enhance their associations. Vlog: Ike Isaacson Give an Update on the 75/25 Blended Rate thumbnail Vlog: Ike Isaacson Give an Update on the 75/25 Blended Rate Watch this video update from VGM's Ike Isaacson on the importance of the 75/25 blended rate. Welcome to 2024. Let's Talk Root Causes! thumbnail Welcome to 2024. Let's Talk Root Causes! Kim Cuce explains how to identify the root causes of issues that DMEPOS providers often face.