VGM & ASSOCIATESHealthcare MSO
Full Menu Search

August of Action is Fast Approaching - Act Now! 

Published in Government Relations on July 27, 2023

August of Action is quickly approaching! Reach out to schedule a meeting with your member of Congress. 

Every year, the House of Representatives and the Senate take a break for most of August and the first part of September, allowing elected officials to return to their home constituencies. It's a crucial time to connect with your legislators and schedule meetings to inform and update them on the current issues in the home medical equipment (HME) industry. Establishing these relationships with Congress is vital, as it enables HME legislation to navigate through all levels of government more smoothly and efficiently. Don't miss this opportunity to make your voice heard and contribute to positive change in the industry! 

A few simple ways to get some face-to-face time with your legislators this summer are: 

  • Host a meet and greet event at your location 
  • Attend town hall events or town parades to get some face-to-face time with your legislator   
  • Reach out to their office for an in-person meeting  

If you are unable to make an appointment during the recess, there are other times that you can meet your legislator. Legislators will normally host events throughout the year to hear their constituents’ concerns. Attending these events would be a significant use of time and resources. If you want to find out when one of these events is happening, visit your legislator’s website or call their offices.   

Items that would be beneficial to discuss with your members of Congress include:  

  • Senators – Support for S. 1294: A bill to provide 75/25 blended rate for non-rural, non-CBA suppliers 
  • All – Accessibility to quality services and products to Medicare beneficiaries 

The VGM Government Relations team can also assist by:  

  • Contacting or scheduling meetings with your member of Congress  
  • Offering coaching sessions on how to speak with your legislator  
  • Resources! You can find all our resources at the VGM Government website  
    • Here are some key resources that can be useful during your meetings: 
      • Congressional Meetings 101 - A guide to hosting a meeting with your legislator  
      • Cost of Delivering HME - VGM Government team surveyed our members last year regarding the costs associated with delivering HME. 
      • HME Rooftop Historical Trend - We have tracked the number of HME suppliers since 2010. Every year, we update these numbers and have found 41% of suppliers have exited business since then.   

These resources can help demonstrate the necessity of the services and products our industry provides and the benefits that legislation and higher reimbursement rates would provide. For any questions, contact the VGM Government Relations team. 

TAGS

  1. legislation
  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

CMS Finalizes Rule Changing The Next Round Of The Competitive Bidding Program And Updating Other Provisions Related To Provider Enrollment And Prior Authorization thumbnail CMS Finalizes Rule Changing The Next Round Of The Competitive Bidding Program And Updating Other Provisions Related To Provider Enrollment And Prior Authorization Final Rule Analysis from the VGM Payer Relations and Reimbursement team  On Nov, 28, 2025, CMS finalized Final Rule CMS-1828-F that includes updates to the Competitive Bidding Program (CBP) and other provisions related to provider enrollment and prior authorization. Next round is expected to be implemented no later than Jan. 1, 2028. Celebrating the Life and Impact of Mike Hamilton, ADMEA Executive Director thumbnail Celebrating the Life and Impact of Mike Hamilton, ADMEA Executive Director We are deeply saddened to share the passing of our beloved colleague and friend, Mike Hamilton, Executive Director of the Alabama Durable Medical Equipment Association (ADMEA). For more than 50 years, Mike dedicated his life to the durable medical equipment (DME) industry, setting an extraordinary example of hard work, integrity, and unwavering passion. His leadership and advocacy helped shape the industry and improve access to care for countless patients. The Big Sky Association of Medical Equipment Suppliers Welcomes UTAH! thumbnail The Big Sky Association of Medical Equipment Suppliers Welcomes UTAH! The Big Sky Association of Medical Equipment Suppliers is pleased to announce that Utah has officially been accepted into the association as our newest participating state. Big Sky now proudly welcomes all Utah DME/HME, Respiratory, CRT, and Medical Supply companies into our regional association. Utah will have a designated state representative/director—appointed in the same manner as Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming—to ensure strong representation and a clear voice within the Association. Beyond the Shutdown and The Proposed Rule: Key Legislative Updates for the HME Industry thumbnail Beyond the Shutdown and The Proposed Rule: Key Legislative Updates for the HME Industry While the government shutdown and uncertainty surrounding CMS's Proposed Rule have dominated headlines, several important bills impacting HME providers continue to advance. Here's a quick look at three focused legislative priorities: Advocacy in Action: Texas DME Providers Stand Up For Patient Care thumbnail Advocacy in Action: Texas DME Providers Stand Up For Patient Care Texas DME providers are speaking out against proposed Medicaid reimbursement rate cuts that threaten access to essential medical equipment for vulnerable patients. At a recent public hearing, voices from across the state shared powerful stories about the real-world impact of these cuts—some as high as 85%. The Shutdown Has Ended—Now It's Time To Take Action thumbnail The Shutdown Has Ended—Now It's Time To Take Action The recent government shutdown created uncertainty across the healthcare landscape, and the DMEPOS community was no exception. In the weeks ahead, critical decisions will shape the future of our industry. By getting involved early—through advocacy, education, and collaboration—you can help ensure these policies support patients and providers rather than hinder them. Notably, the Continuing Resolution (CR) includes an extension of Medicare telehealth flexibilities through January 2026... New Issue Brief: Why Medicare's Competitive Bidding Program Needs Urgent Reform thumbnail New Issue Brief: Why Medicare's Competitive Bidding Program Needs Urgent Reform The Medicare competitive bidding program for durable medical equipment (DME) was designed to reduce costs—but it's failing patients and providers. A new issue brief from Pacific Research Institute and economist Wayne Winegarden highlights what changes are urgently needed. Champions of Change: DME Advocates Driving Real Change thumbnail Champions of Change: DME Advocates Driving Real Change Real change starts with real people. In this edition of Champions of Change, we're spotlighting two DME advocates who aren't just talking about problems—they're taking action. David Griffin and Gary Rench are showing us what it means to stand up for patients, providers, and the future of our industry.

Give your business an advantage over the competition.

Become a Member