VGM & ASSOCIATESHealthcare MSO
Full Menu Search

Champion of Change: Paula Vineyard of Elana Health & Loop Medical Leads Healthcare Advocacy in West Virginia

Published in Government Relations on May 12, 2025

Champion of Change: Paula Vineyard

(L to R: Rachel Marie RT at Elana Health, Mary Wiseman, owner of Appalachian Medical of South Charleston, Joe Daniel, owner of Allay Home Care in Beckley, Paula Vineyard of Elana Health, Tyler Ohrn of Rep. Carol Miller’s office)
(Rep. Carol Miller (R-WV), staff member, Tyler Ohrn, learning about DME legislation.)

On Thursday, May 8, Paula Vineyard, owner of Elana Health & Loop Medical, took a pivotal step in healthcare advocacy by hosting a meeting with Tyler Ohrn, Field Representative for Congresswoman Carol Miller of West Virginia’s First District. The hour-long discussion centered on the pressing need for congressional support of H.R. 2005.

Vineyard was joined by other DME supplier leaders in West Virginia, including Rachel Marie, Respiratory Manager at Elana Health; Joe Daniel, Owner of Allay Home Care in Beckley, WV; and Mary Wiseman, Owner of Appalachian Medical of South Charleston. Together, they emphasized concerns about stagnant Medicare reimbursement rates, arguing that they have failed to keep pace with rising costs and wages, threatening the sustainability of healthcare providers in the region.

Determined to make an impact, Vineyard followed the advice from VGM’s Government Relations team, researching her congressional representatives and utilizing Rep. Miller’s website to request a meeting. Her initiative was met with swift action—Miller’s local office responded promptly and scheduled a discussion within ten days.

Ahead of the meeting, Vineyard reached out to both VGM and AAHomecare, leveraging their resources and tools to strengthen her advocacy efforts. Equipped with thorough information, the group engaged in a productive dialogue with Ohrn, who demonstrated a keen interest in understanding the durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS) industry and the financial hardships providers face.

Leaving the meeting with renewed optimism, Vineyard and her colleagues remain dedicated to securing sustainable Medicare reimbursement solutions that will enable healthcare providers to continue serving West Virginia’s communities effectively. With growing momentum behind H.R. 2005, industry leaders are hopeful that their advocacy will lead to meaningful change for patients and providers alike.

“This process was much easier and far less intimidating than it might seem,” Vineyard shared, encouraging others to take the initiative in meeting with their legislators.

Her leadership serves as a powerful example of what it means to be a Champion of Change. Advocacy groups stand ready to assist those interested in organizing meetings with legislators, providing education, resources, and guidance every step of the way.

If you’re inspired by Vineyard’s efforts and would like to host a legislative meeting, support is available—reach out to begin making an impact.

A heartfelt thank you to Paula, Rachel, Joe, and Mary for their dedication to advancing healthcare policy in West Virginia!

Get Connected

Stay up-to-date on the latest resources and news provided by VGM & Associates.

Sign Up for Email

From Our Experts

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. Join HME Industry Letter on CB Program to CMS Administrator Oz thumbnail Join HME Industry Letter on CB Program to CMS Administrator Oz HME suppliers, manufacturers, and distributors are invited to add their company's name to a letter to CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz regarding the Administration's DMEPOS/Home Health Proposed Rule that includes provisions for a new competitive bidding round. The letter specifically asks CMS to withdraw or delay the DMEPOS provisions in the Proposed Rule and re-engage with industry, patient, and clinical stakeholders to design an evidence-based, fraud-resistant, America-First framework. Take Action Today: Urge CMS to Pause and Re-Evaluate the Competitive Bidding Program thumbnail Take Action Today: Urge CMS to Pause and Re-Evaluate the Competitive Bidding Program Now is the time to raise our voices. With the formal announcement of the Competitive Bidding (CB) Program expected as early as the end of this month, we must act swiftly and decisively. Below are two key opportunities to engage with your U.S. Representative and encourage their support for a Congressional letter urging Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to pause and reassess the CB Program.

Give your business an advantage over the competition.

Become a Member