VGM & ASSOCIATESHealthcare MSO
Full Menu Search

Government Relations: Be Knowledgeable, Be Specific

Published in Government Relations on February 13, 2024

Originally posted by HMENews on Feb 7, 2024.

Ike Isaacson

Q. I’m new to the advocacy game. How can I get started? 

A. If you have never engaged your legislator, it can feel intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Effective communication with legislators is easy and essential for any advocacy success. Here are some tips to help you communicate effectively with legislators:  

  • Be specific: Be specific about the issue you are advocating for. Provide clear and concise information about the issue and why it is important.  
  • Ask for action: Ask your legislator to take specific action on the issue. This can include sponsoring a bill or taking other actions to support your cause.  
  • Use time wisely: Use your time wisely when communicating with legislators. Be respectful of their time and keep your message brief and to the point.  
  • Plan out your remarks: Plan out your remarks in advance. This can help you stay focused and ensure that you cover all of the key points.  
  • Solicit support from your legislator: Solicit support from your legislator by asking them to publicly support your cause. This can help build momentum and generate additional support for your issue.  
  • Tell the truth: Be honest and truthful in your communications with legislators. Provide accurate information and avoid exaggerating or misrepresenting the facts.  
  • Be respectful: Be respectful and courteous in your communications with legislators. Even if you disagree with their position, it is important to maintain a professional and respectful tone.  
  • Follow up: Follow up with your legislator after your initial communication. This can include sending a thank-you note or following up with additional information.  

In addition to these tips, it is important to be knowledgeable about the issue you are advocating for. This should include researching the issue, understanding the legislative process, knowing the key decision-makers and being a part of your industry advocacy groups such as VGM and others. 

For more helpful tips on effective advocacy visit: https://www.vgm.com/services/government-relations/. 

Mike “Ike” Isaacson is senior vice president of government relations at VGM & Associates. Reach him at mike.isaacson@vgm.com.

TAGS

  1. grassroots
  2. vgm
  3. 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

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. Legislative Momentum in the HME Industry: Key Updates & Action Items thumbnail Legislative Momentum in the HME Industry: Key Updates & Action Items The past few months have seen a surge of legislative activity in the home medical equipment sector, with several key developments shaping policy and advocacy efforts across the industry. From new bills introduced in Congress to formal comment submissions and stakeholder mobilization, these events reflect growing momentum around critical issues affecting providers and patients alike. This article offers a comprehensive recap of recent actions and outlines important next steps for those...

Give your business an advantage over the competition.

Become a Member