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

Iowa Senators Expand Their Understanding of DME Supplier Issues thumbnail Iowa Senators Expand Their Understanding of DME Supplier Issues NuCara Home Medical hosted an event for Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) at their Urbandale location on Thursday, Oct. 10. and on Oct. 17, Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) visited VGM's headquarters in Waterloo, IA. Both senators were asked to support the 75/25 blended rate in a year-end package. Dear Colleague Letter Circulates Through Congress Seeking Support for DMEPOS 75/25 Blended Rate thumbnail Dear Colleague Letter Circulates Through Congress Seeking Support for DMEPOS 75/25 Blended Rate A new Dear Colleague letter, released this morning by Representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Paul Tonko, and Randy Feenstra, is calling for the reestablishment of the Medicare 75/25 blended rate for durable medical equipment (DME) in non-rural, non-competitive bid areas for 2025. 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. August of Action Wraps Up with Key Meetings thumbnail August of Action Wraps Up with Key Meetings 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). 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.

Give your business an advantage over the competition.

Become a Member