December in D.C. with John Gallagher

Published in Government Relations on December 03, 2021

Amongst the end of the year whirl in Washington D.C., John Gallagher was able to have many productive meetings during his visit to the nation’s capitol this week. Discussions during this visit included reimbursement concerns for DMEPOS items against many mounting issues like COVID mandates, supply chain issues, additional surcharges on HME products, and many more. 

John had a fantastic meeting with Rep. Jodey Arrington (R-TX) of the House Ways and Means. Rep. Arrington also serves on the Rural and Underserved Caucus and has an interest in HME issues. John met with both him and his health staff, Elle Ciapciak. 

Rep. Jodey Arrington

(Rep. Jodey Arrington (R-TX) and John Gallagher)

John also met with Rep. Mark Wayne Mullin (R-OK) who sits on the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Thanks to OMEPA, Rep. Mullin already has been educated on the concerns in the HME industry and understands the need for improved reimbursement to continue to serve patients. Rep. Mullin has agreed to be a champion to the HME industry going forward! 

Rep. Mark Wayne Mullin and John Gallagher

(Rep. Mark Wayne Mullin and John Gallagher)

While in Washington D.C., John also continued his discussions on HME issues with Sen. Grassley, Sen. Ernst’s staff, and Rep. Ashley Hinson. 

Sen. Grassley and John

(Sen. Grassley with John Gallagher)

You may recognize the nice young man standing in between John Gallagher and Rep. Hinson in the photo below. That’s Jason Becker, VGM Government Team former intern. He is now interning for Rep. Hinson’s office in D.C.

Rep. Hinson, Jason Becker, John Gallagher

(Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-IA) with Jason Becker and John Gallagher)

We will continue to follow up on these meetings and keep you updated. 


TAGS

  1. vgm government

From Our Experts

CMS Issues FAQ On DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program thumbnail CMS Issues FAQ On DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued a DMEPOS CBP Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) providing clarification on several points of the next round. Medicare Advantage Plans Are in Flux: What Providers Should Know thumbnail Medicare Advantage Plans Are in Flux: What Providers Should Know As reported by HME News WASHINGTON – Medicare Advantage (MA) plans will face new restrictions in 2026 that could force insurers to rethink their business models, according to payer relations experts. While these changes don't directly impact home medical equipment (HME) providers today, they could influence future plan design and reimbursement strategies. BOC Reinstated As Approved Accrediting Organization thumbnail BOC Reinstated As Approved Accrediting Organization As reported by HME News: Court grants company's motion for temporary restraining order against CMS OWINGS Mills, MD.—The Board of Certification/Accreditation (BOC) has been reinstated as an approved accrediting organization (AO) in all but four states, the company has announced. Click here to read the full article from HME News. The federal court has granted a temporary restraining order (“TRO”) in favor of BOC…thereby restoring BOC as an accrediting organization in all states except N DMEPOS Bills Gaining Momentum thumbnail DMEPOS Bills Gaining Momentum Fresh off a great House Energy & Commerce Health Sub-Committee hearing, now is the perfect time to reach out to your representative(s) and ask them to support the DMEPOS Relief Act, H.R. 2005; Choices for Increased Mobility Act of 2025, H.R. 1703; and the Supplemental Oxygen Access Reform Act of 2025, H.R. 2902. CMS Changes Competitive Bid Program Impacting Contracts and Bid Submission Requirements for Financial Documentation – What Providers Need to Know thumbnail CMS Changes Competitive Bid Program Impacting Contracts and Bid Submission Requirements for Financial Documentation – What Providers Need to Know The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' (CMS) changes to the DMEPOS Competitive Bid Program as outlined in CMS-1828-F will reshape how suppliers prepare bids, qualify for contracts, and manage operational readiness. For DME suppliers, understanding both the changes to the contract awards and the bid submission is essential to understanding and preparing for the next bidding cycle. Meet The Candidates: VGM Hosts Rep. Randy Feenstra, Iowa Gubernatorial Candidate thumbnail Meet The Candidates: VGM Hosts Rep. Randy Feenstra, Iowa Gubernatorial Candidate Waterloo, Iowa – On Monday, VGM Group welcomed employees and local guests for another installment of its Meet The Candidates series. The featured guest was Rep. Randy Feenstra, current Congressman for Iowa's 4th District and a strong supporter of DMEPOS legislation. Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee to Hold Hearing on Medicare Payment Policy Legislation – Thursday, Jan. 8 thumbnail Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee to Hold Hearing on Medicare Payment Policy Legislation – Thursday, Jan. 8 The House Energy & Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Health will hold a hearing titled “Legislative Proposals to Support Patient Access to Medicare Services” on Thursday, Jan. 8, at 10:15 a.m. (ET). CMS Releases CPI-U Adjustments for DMEPOS In 2026 And Fee Schedule Q1 thumbnail CMS Releases CPI-U Adjustments for DMEPOS In 2026 And Fee Schedule Q1 The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the annual inflation factor to be applied to DMEPOS items effective January 1, 2026, with an implementation date of January 5, 2026. The breakdown of the adjustment is dependent upon whether the serviced items are included in the competitive bidding program (CBP) or are in formerly competitive bid areas (CBAs) such as rural and non-rural.