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

From Our Experts

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. 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. Ike Isaacson and Brian Leitten Podcast: The Case for DME Investment Continues to Strengthen thumbnail Ike Isaacson and Brian Leitten Podcast: The Case for DME Investment Continues to Strengthen Listen to Ike Isaacson, SVP of VGM Government Relations, and Brian Leitten, Leitten Consulting, discuss Brian's latest findings related to DME investment and their outlook on competitive bidding. Update: FTC Ban of Noncompetes Blocked thumbnail Update: FTC Ban of Noncompetes Blocked A new ruling this week means that the ban on noncompete agreements cannot and will not go into effect in September. The FTC has not yet said whether they will appeal the decision, but Victoria Graham, a spokesperson for the FTC, said they are considering that option. The FTC could also choose to address noncompete agreements in a different manner, perhaps through enforcement actions. Updates To Lymphedema Benefit thumbnail Updates To Lymphedema Benefit A recent article by Medtrade Monday outlined the latest news regarding the lymphedema benefit.