Adam Miller and Tom Powers Attend Policy Forum in Washington D.C.

Published in Government Relations on May 17, 2023

On Wednesday, May 10, the AOPA Policy Forum held in Washington D.C. brought together over 100 stakeholders, manufacturers, and practitioners in the field of orthotics and prosthetics (O&P). The event served as a legislative fly-in, providing an opportunity for participants to engage in advocacy efforts and discuss crucial updates surrounding the Medicare Orthotics and Prosthetics Patient-Centered Care Act. 

Adam and Tom

During the forum, Adam Miller, President of OPGA, Tom Powers, Government Relations, along with two grant winners from the Orthotic and Prosthetic Group of America (OPGA), Kaleigh Neely from Geauga Rehabilitation Engineering, and Abbey Senczyszyn, CPO from Bremer Prosthetics, delved into various advocacy initiatives at the state level.  They also received comprehensive details and updates on the latest version of the Medicare Orthotics and Prosthetics Patient-Centered Care Act. 

Although attempts to pass the bill into law during previous sessions came close, it was ultimately unsuccessful. However, the bill has since undergone revisions and refocusing, instilling hope among participants that it will be successfully enacted during this 118th Congress. One of the many additional highlights of the event was a fundraising event for Senator Steve Daines (R-MT), a long-standing champion of the bill.  

Group with Steve Daines

The following day, OPGA held in-person meetings with the offices of all six members of Iowa's delegation. Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley's co-sponsorship of the original bill proved beneficial in garnering potential support from the other Iowa representatives. 

Adam and Tom with Grassley Staff

With optimism running high, there is a strong belief that this version of the bill will be signed into law during the current Congress. If successful, it has the potential to bring about significant change and benefits not only for O&P clinic owners but, most importantly, for the patients they serve. 

“OPGA extends our gratitude to AOPA for organizing this impactful Policy Forum,” said Adam Miller, President of OGPA. “OPGA will remain supportive and continue championing the ongoing efforts discussed at the Policy Forum and the positive outcomes that this bill will have on the O&P field.” 


TAGS

  1. advocacy
  2. orthotics and prosthetics
  3. vgm
  4. vgm government

From Our Experts

CRT Bill H.R. 1703 Advances Through Full Energy & Commerce Committee thumbnail CRT Bill H.R. 1703 Advances Through Full Energy & Commerce Committee Earlier this week, we shared that H.R. 1703 advanced through the House Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee. We are pleased to report that the bill has continued to gain momentum and has now successfully passed out of the full Energy & Commerce Committee unanimously following today's markup. Important Update: Prior Auth Exemption Process – Deadline Extended to May 26, 2026 thumbnail Important Update: Prior Auth Exemption Process – Deadline Extended to May 26, 2026 CMS has just announced that the deadline to opt out of the prior authorization exemption and continue submitting prior authorization requests has been extended to Tuesday, May 26. This extension only applies to suppliers that received a letter from the DME MACs in early March regarding their prior authorization exemption status. CRT Bill H.R. 1703 Advances Through Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee thumbnail CRT Bill H.R. 1703 Advances Through Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee As announced during the NCART and AAHomecare Legislative Conference last week, H.R. 1703, the Choices for Increased Mobility Act, was considered and advanced out of the House Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee. This is a positive step forward for the CRT community. VGM Government Relations Team Advocates for DME in Washington, D.C. thumbnail VGM Government Relations Team Advocates for DME in Washington, D.C. VGM Government Relations team members joined industry leaders in Washington, D.C., this week for a series of impactful advocacy events, including the 2026 AAHomecare Legislative Conference, NCART Legislative Conference, and the AAHomecare Payer Relations Council meeting. BREAKING NEWS: Big Win For DME Industry in North Carolina thumbnail BREAKING NEWS: Big Win For DME Industry in North Carolina Congratulations to ACMESA on the passage of a Medicaid funding bill, which provides important stability for DMEPOS providers and the patients they serve. Invite Your Federal Legislator to the CRT Product Expo in Washington, D.C. thumbnail Invite Your Federal Legislator to the CRT Product Expo in Washington, D.C. During the upcoming NCART/iNRRTS U.S. Rehab Legislative Conference, NCART and U.S. Rehab will host a Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) Product Expo on May 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in Washington, D.C. This Expo is a valuable opportunity for members of Congress and their staff to see firsthand how CRT products impact independence, mobility, and quality of life for individuals with disabilities. Network Bidding Opens New Path for Small DMEPOS Suppliers thumbnail Network Bidding Opens New Path for Small DMEPOS Suppliers CMS released a new FAQ clarifying that small DMEPOS suppliers may form networks to collectively meet licensure, accreditation, and enrollment requirements for the next round of the Competitive Bidding Program. This guidance creates a new pathway for small suppliers to compete, with additional education and networking support available through VGM initiatives. VGM Group Highlights Value of DMEPOS Industry and Commends Efforts to Protect Patients and Communities thumbnail VGM Group Highlights Value of DMEPOS Industry and Commends Efforts to Protect Patients and Communities VGM Group continues to underscore the effectiveness and efficiency of the Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) industry and its critical role across the healthcare continuum. The services and support provided by DMEPOS suppliers not only enhance patient outcomes and strengthen community health, but do so in a cost-effective manner that delivers meaningful savings to the healthcare system.