VGM & ASSOCIATESHealthcare MSO
Full Menu Search

A Week of Advocacy in Iowa

Published in Government Relations on October 05, 2022

On Monday, Oct. 3, VGM hosted a visit from Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) for a meet-and-greet event. Sen. Grassley has been a long-term supporter of the industry from his position on the Senate Finance Committee. The VGM team spoke to him about concerns in the DMEPOS industry, including an extension of the CARES Act, reimbursement, sequestration, and overall concerns with reimbursement and accessibility to quality product and service issues. With Sen. Grassley up for reelection this year, this was a terrific opportunity for him to come and speak about his campaign as well. 

Grassley GroupGrassleyspeaks

On Tuesday, Oct. 4, CarePro hosted an event with Rep. Marianette Miller-Meeks (R-IA-2) in Coralville, IA, who is also up for re-election in the 2nd district of Iowa. The team at CarePro did a fantastic job of painting a picture of the issues the industry is facing. Being a physician, Rep. Miller-Meeks had familiarity with most home medical equipment. The group educated her on the significant reimbursement cuts over the years which have decimated HME suppliers in Iowa and across the country. 

GroupSpeakingd

If you are still looking for an opportunity to speak with a member of Congress, there will be a meet-and-greet event with Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-IA-4) on October 17 at Choice Medical in Ames, IA. If you would like to attend or contribute to this event, please reach out to Emily Harken at  emily.harken@vgm.com or call 319-830-1578. 

Please continue to be an advocate for the HME industry! The need for improved policies and reimbursement has never been greater, and if you need assistance with this process, please reach out to Emily Harken and she will give you helpful resources. 

TAGS

  1. advocacy
  2. vgm
  3. vgm government

Get Connected

Stay up-to-date on the latest resources and news provided by VGM & Associates.

Sign Up for Email

From Our Experts

Iowa Senators Expand Their Understanding of DME Supplier Issues thumbnail Iowa Senators Expand Their Understanding of DME Supplier Issues NuCara Home Medical hosted an event for Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) at their Urbandale location on Thursday, Oct. 10. and on Oct. 17, Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) visited VGM's headquarters in Waterloo, IA. Both senators were asked to support the 75/25 blended rate in a year-end package. Dear Colleague Letter Circulates Through Congress Seeking Support for DMEPOS 75/25 Blended Rate thumbnail Dear Colleague Letter Circulates Through Congress Seeking Support for DMEPOS 75/25 Blended Rate A new Dear Colleague letter, released this morning by Representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Paul Tonko, and Randy Feenstra, is calling for the reestablishment of the Medicare 75/25 blended rate for durable medical equipment (DME) in non-rural, non-competitive bid areas for 2025. Put Policy Over Politics thumbnail Put Policy Over Politics Mike “Ike” Isaacson, Senior Vice President (SVP), VGM Government Relations, recently shared his thoughts about the election and the importance of prioritizing effective policymaking over political agendas in the healthcare industry. Breaking: Titanium/Carbon Fiber Upgrade Bill Introduced in the Senate – S.5154 thumbnail Breaking: Titanium/Carbon Fiber Upgrade Bill Introduced in the Senate – S.5154 Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) introduced the titanium/carbon fiber wheelchair upgrade bill yesterday. [Vlog] Reconsideration Request for RAD and HVM Policy thumbnail [Vlog] Reconsideration Request for RAD and HVM Policy Listen in as Ronda Buhrmester, Sr. Director of Payer Relations and Reimbursement, shares that CMS has released a reconsideration request for the RAD and HVM policy. August of Action Wraps Up with Key Meetings thumbnail August of Action Wraps Up with Key Meetings Earlier this week, CAMPS members met with Rep. Mike Thompson at his Napa office to discuss DMEPOS legislation, H.R.5555. Rep. Thompson, a member of the influential House Ways and Means Committee, engaged in a productive meeting with Paul Ondrusek (Regional Account Manager at VGM and President of CAMPS), Todd Dodds (Owens Medical), and Tony Lewis (New West Medical). VGM & Associates Announces Appointment of Adam Miller as Vice President of Government Relations thumbnail VGM & Associates Announces Appointment of Adam Miller as Vice President of Government Relations VGM & Associates is pleased to announce the appointment of Adam Miller as the new Vice President of Government Relations. August of Action Continues: Key Meetings with Sen. John Thune, Chairman Jason Smith, and Rep. Randy Feenstra thumbnail August of Action Continues: Key Meetings with Sen. John Thune, Chairman Jason Smith, and Rep. Randy Feenstra As the August recess draws to a close, there are still ample opportunities to engage with your legislators before the upcoming election. Throughout October and leading up to the election, legislators will be back in their home states, providing a perfect window to connect with them before the end of the year.

Give your business an advantage over the competition.

Become a Member