VGM & ASSOCIATESHealthcare MSO
Full Menu Search

August of Action Wraps Up with Key Meetings

Published in Government Relations on September 06, 2024

Meeting with Rep. Mike Thompson 

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). 

Paul Ondrusek highlighted the personal connection and the discussion on access and reimbursement concerns within the DMEPOS industry. Todd Dodds appreciated Rep. Thompson’s openness and commitment to addressing H.R.5555, emphasizing the shared goal of improving patient care in underserved areas. Tony Lewis praised the VGM Government & Regulatory team for their preparation, noting Rep. Thompson’s understanding and support for their cause. 

August of Action

Rep. Mike Thompson, Paul Ondrusek (VGM), Tony Lewis (New West Medical), Todd Dodds (Owens Medical) 

Meeting with Rep. Brett Guthrie 

Yesterday, King Drug in Hartford, KY hosted a meeting with Rep. Brett Guthrie who serves on the Energy and Commerce Committee. Attendees included Steve Wiggens, Amy Willis, Ryan Radcliff (all from King Drug), Rep. Brett Guthrie, Ike Isaacson (VGM), Jay Witter (AAHomecare), and Thad Connally (former KY DME owner and advocate). 

Ike Isaacson reported that the meeting was impactful, as Rep. Guthrie, already a known supporter of the industry, gained further insight into the real-world experiences of DME suppliers.  

Special thanks were extended to the advocates and King Drug for hosting the event during business hours. 

August of Action

Steve Wiggens, Amy Willis, Ryan Radcliff (King Drug), Rep. Brett Guthrie, Ike Isaacson (VGM), Jay Witter (AAHomecare), and Thad Connally 

As the August recess ends, 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.  Reach out to emily.harken@vgm.com at VGM if you would like assistance contacting your legislator or setting up an on-site visit. 

TAGS

  1. advocacy
  2. dmepos
  3. legislation
  4. 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

VGM Group Submits Comments on CMS-6098-NC Request for Information (RFI) Related to Comprehensive Regulations to Uncover Suspicious Healthcare (CRUSH). thumbnail VGM Group Submits Comments on CMS-6098-NC Request for Information (RFI) Related to Comprehensive Regulations to Uncover Suspicious Healthcare (CRUSH). The comments reflect VGM Group's support of CMS' goal of strengthening program integrity and shares CMS' commitment to protecting Medicare beneficiaries and taxpayer dollars from fraud, waste, and abuse. DME suppliers already operate in a highly regulated environment and have a direct interest in ensuring that anti-fraud initiatives are precisely targeted, data driven, and operationally feasible, so that legitimate suppliers can continue to serve beneficiaries without unnecessary disruption. Call To Action - Access to Power Seat Elevation on Standard PWCs Threatened thumbnail Call To Action - Access to Power Seat Elevation on Standard PWCs Threatened As reported by NCART: Do you use, recommend or provide power seat elevation for individuals with any of the diagnoses below? If so, and you answer YES to any of the questions below, it is important for Medicare to hear your story in writing by midnight on Saturday, April 4 at PMDRecon@noridian.com. Florida Becomes First State To Follow Medicare; Issues A Six-month Moratorium On DMEPOS Suppliers Enrolling In Medicaid thumbnail Florida Becomes First State To Follow Medicare; Issues A Six-month Moratorium On DMEPOS Suppliers Enrolling In Medicaid As reported by The van Halem Group: On Thursday, March 26, 2026, the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) issued a temporary moratorium on enrollment of new Medicaid providers for Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS). CMS Rule Phases Out Fax Machines, Snail Mail to Save Taxpayers $781.98 Million a Year thumbnail CMS Rule Phases Out Fax Machines, Snail Mail to Save Taxpayers $781.98 Million a Year As reported by CMS: “The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is slashing wasteful spending and antiquated paperwork by swapping out faxing and mailing for streamlined electronic transactions. This action lets providers spend less time on administrative hassle and more time caring for patients. PAMES Raises Critical Concerns Over Sole-Source Supply Shift thumbnail PAMES Raises Critical Concerns Over Sole-Source Supply Shift PAMES and DME suppliers across Washington are taking an important stand on behalf of both providers and patients. The Tacoma Daily Index recently reported on the state's plan to move to a sole-source contract for incontinence and urological supplies. Under this decision, the Health Care Authority intends to transition all Medicaid recipients to receiving these products from a single vendor. SBA Advocacy: Your Input Matters thumbnail SBA Advocacy: Your Input Matters Make your voice heard about how the CBP has affected your business. New Bipartisan Senate Bill Aims to Improve Access to Diabetes Technology & Education for Medicare Beneficiaries thumbnail New Bipartisan Senate Bill Aims to Improve Access to Diabetes Technology & Education for Medicare Beneficiaries U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Susan Collins (R-ME), Cochairs of the Senate Diabetes Caucus, have introduced the Diabetes Interventions Addressing Barriers to Enrollment, Technology, and Education Services (DIABETES) Act, S.4037. VGM Reintroduces the Fraud, Waste & Abuse Reporting Resource Center thumbnail VGM Reintroduces the Fraud, Waste & Abuse Reporting Resource Center VGM Government Relations is proud to announce the reintroduction of its Fraud, Waste & Abuse (FWA) Reporting Resource Center—a newly refreshed online hub designed to protect the integrity of the DMEPOS industry and reinforce our unwavering commitment to ethical, compliant care.

Be Part of Something Bigger

Become a Member