Champions of Change: DME Advocates Driving Real Change

Published in VGM Government Relations on October 31, 2025

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.

David Griffin Champions Patient Access in the Face of Competitive Bidding Threats 

David Griffin, of Diabetes Specialty Supply in San Antonio, has emerged as a passionate advocate for patients and providers alike in the fight against the inclusion of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and other diabetes supplies in the next round of the Medicare Competitive Bidding Program. 

Deeply concerned about the potentially devastating consequences this change could bring to an already flawed system, David has made it his mission to raise awareness and drive action. He has taken a proactive approach, engaging directly with legislators across multiple states to share firsthand insights into how competitive bidding could disrupt access to essential diabetes care products. 

David’s outreach is not just about policy—it’s about people. David, who is also a CGM user, emphasizes the real-world impact on patients who rely on CGMs and diabetes supplies to manage their health safely and effectively. By highlighting the risks of reduced access, limited supplier participation, and compromised care quality, David is helping lawmakers understand the urgency of the issue. 

His efforts reflect the kind of grassroots advocacy that can make a difference. Through persistent dialogue, education, and collaboration, David is working to ensure that diabetic patients are not left behind in future policy decisions. 

Gary Rench Pushes Back Against Regulatory Overreach in Idaho 

For the past few years, the National Supplier Clearinghouse (NSC) has been enforcing a position paper that appeared on the Idaho Board of Pharmacy’s website. The context of the paper stated that it was the board’s opinion that a licensed respiratory care practitioner or other qualified licensed healthcare provider must perform the setup and training of oxygen equipment and supplies. 

This interpretation created a major challenge for oxygen suppliers, as NSC began enforcing this opinion as if it were law during supplier enrollment and recertification reviews. As a result, many suppliers were forced to contract with licensed staff solely to meet this perceived requirement. 

Despite strong opposition from suppliers across the state, the NSC’s stance remained unchanged—until recently. 

One Big Sky AMES member, Gary Rench of Sandcreek Medical, refused to give up. Gary remained persistent and worked directly with the Idaho BOP, Idaho Medicaid, and the Idaho Board of Medicine to address the issue. During a recent online meeting, he presented the real-world impact this position paper was having on oxygen suppliers, noting that it could jeopardize his Medicare re-enrollment if not corrected. 

Following that meeting, Gary reached out to the Bureau Chief of the Board of Medicine for an update. She informed him that the board had updated their policy, and it would be posted later that same day. Gary thanked her for the opportunity to speak, and her response was, “It’s nice to have interaction with the regulated community and for the Board and staff to see how their actions impact the real world.” 

Thank you, David and Gary, for your unwavering commitment to strengthening and advancing the DME industry. 

If you're inspired to get more involved and help drive meaningful change, feel free to reach out at emily.kettman@vgm.com for assistance.