August of Action: Making an Impact on Legislation

Published in Government Relations on August 03, 2023

With summer coming to an end, the political landscape is heating up with August of Action in full swing. Advocates and activists across the nation are seizing the opportunity to engage with their legislators as they are home in their congressional districts. Earlier in July, John Gallagher and members of the Oklahoma Medical Equipment Provider Association (OMEPA) attended meetings with multiple legislators to advocate for various bills, including the significant S. 1294, a bill to provide a 75/25 blended rate for non-rural, non-CBA suppliers. Their hard work and dedication paid off when Senator Lankford (R-OK) agreed to sign onto the bill, indicating growing support for its passage. This early success demonstrates the power of grassroots efforts in driving positive change and highlights the importance of citizen engagement in the legislative process. 

John and Omepa


(L to R: DeAnn Garrison, MEA Healthcare Education Supplies; Vanessa Kehl, Wheelchair & Seating Clinic of Oklahoma; Kelly Kicklighter, VentilateOK; Mrs. Taylor, Senator Lankford's Office; Larry Dalton, Advance Care Medical Equipment; John Gallagher, VGM & Associates)

Continuing the momentum, Gallagher had a brief meeting with Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) on July 31. The conversation aimed to garner support from the senator for S. 1294, as well as other crucial pieces of legislation. 

John and Grassley


Next stop, Gallagher, along with Mike Isaacson's next destination was Arizona, where they planned meetings with key Arizona legislators. This strategic move demonstrates the importance of targeting states and districts where support for specific legislation may be critical. By engaging with legislators directly, Gallagher and Isaacson were looking to gather more backing for S . While they were in Arizona they worked with members of SWMESA and met with staff from both Senator Sinema's office and Senator Kelly's office. 

Sinema's Office

(L to R: Mark Farmer, SWMESA President; Lane Hamm, AZ MediQuip; Sarah, Sen. Sinema's Office; Kirit Patel, Progressive Home Medical; John Gallagher, VGM & Associates)

Kelly's Office

(L to R: Mark Farmer, SWMESA President; John Gallagher, VGM & Associates; Taylor Rodgers, Senator Kelly's Office; Lane Hamm, AZ MediQuip; Kirit Patel, Progressive Home Medical; Mike Isaacson, VGM & Associates)

This August presents a unique opportunity for citizens to connect with their legislators while they are home in their respective states and districts. Town halls, community events, and local meetings are great platforms to voice concerns and advocate for legislation that matters most to the public. Gallagher's example of continuous efforts at the grassroots level shows that ordinary citizens can play an active role in shaping policy and influencing their representatives' decisions. 

The impact of this August of Action is evident in the progress Gallagher and fellow activists have already made. By seizing the opportunity to meet with legislators, they have not only secured support for vital legislation but also shown the strength of citizen-led movements in the democratic process. Together at the grassroots level, we can influence the course of legislation and work towards a better, more inclusive future for all. The power to effect change is in our hands – let's make the most of it this August and beyond. 

From Our Experts

President Trump Pauses Implementation of Tariffs for One Month thumbnail President Trump Pauses Implementation of Tariffs for One Month On Monday, Feb. 3, President Donald Trump suspended his threat of imposing 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada at the last minute, agreeing to a one-month pause in exchange for concessions on border security and crime enforcement. Impact Of Tariffs On The DMEPOS Industry thumbnail Impact Of Tariffs On The DMEPOS Industry President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he will impose 25 percent tariffs on Canada and Mexico starting Saturday, Feb. 1. Sens. Blackburn and Duckworth Introduce S.247 - Carbon Fiber/Titanium Wheelchair Upgrade Bill thumbnail Sens. Blackburn and Duckworth Introduce S.247 - Carbon Fiber/Titanium Wheelchair Upgrade Bill Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) have introduced the Choices for Mobility Act, S. 247. This legislation aims to improve access to titanium and carbon fiber wheelchairs for Medicare beneficiaries. MAMES Succeeds In Improving Coverage For Breast Pumps And Lactation Services In Nebraska thumbnail MAMES Succeeds In Improving Coverage For Breast Pumps And Lactation Services In Nebraska MAMES has successfully advocated for enhanced coverage of breast pumps and lactation services in Nebraska. Working closely with the Medicaid Director, MAMES ensured the implementation of these changes would be effective and beneficial. The new coverage aligns with other Medicaid programs in the Midwest. A Tribute to John Gallagher: A Journey of Dedication and Memories thumbnail A Tribute to John Gallagher: A Journey of Dedication and Memories When I started working for John Gallagher 12 years ago, I often heard the phrase, “baptism by fire.” I quickly learned what that meant. At the time, the team consisted of John Gallagher, Mark Higley, and Tom Powers, and they were all constantly on the road. I would get a phone call from John saying, “The ESRD was just released, look it up and write up a summary, we need to get this to our members ASAP. I'm hopping on a plane…get it out before the end of the day.” Rep Mariannette Miller-Meeks Introduces The Veterans Supporting Prosthetics Opportunities and Recreational Therapy (“SPORT”) Act thumbnail Rep Mariannette Miller-Meeks Introduces The Veterans Supporting Prosthetics Opportunities and Recreational Therapy (“SPORT”) Act Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa), who, along with proving to be a champion of DMEPOS related legislation, serves as chair on the House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Health. Recently she introduced H.R. 9478, The Veterans Supporting Prosthetics Opportunities and Recreational Therapy (“SPORT”) Act. Congress Passes, President Signs Continuing Resolution thumbnail Congress Passes, President Signs Continuing Resolution As you know by now, Congress passed a Continuing Resolution (CR) to keep the government operating for another three months. Signed by President Joe Biden, this resolution will only fund critical government operations through March 31, 2025. Breaking: Year-End Package Update thumbnail Breaking: Year-End Package Update As lawmakers race to avert a government shutdown ahead of this Friday's deadline, we have learned that the provision to reinstate and extend the 75/25 blended rate will not be included in the proposed continuing resolution that is expected to fund the federal government until March 14, 2025. Despite exhaustive bipartisan efforts from all reaches of the HME community, including providers and stakeholders, there was not enough support to get it included in the package.