Skip to main content

VGM & ASSOCIATESHealthcare MSO

Search GO

Search GO

VGM & ASSOCIATESHealthcare MSO LEARN ABOUT VGM

Government Relations: Speak With One Voice

Published in Government Relations on April 18, 2024

Mike “Ike” Isaacson This post was originally featured in HME News.

Q. How do we enhance our message?

A. When we speak together, we improve the health care landscape. We demonstrate that we are a trustworthy and dependable source of information and expertise, and that we represent a large and diverse group of stakeholders who all care deeply about the DMEPOS industry and those we serve. This collective voice pushes back on any negative or false claims that may come from other interests or groups.

We increase the awareness and recognition of the DMEPOS industry and its value, as we can reach more people and media, and create a stronger and more lasting impression. We can enhance coordination and cooperation among the industry, as we can share our data, resources, strategies and best practices, and avoid any confusion or inconsistency in our efforts. This leads to a stronger sense of community and commitment within the industry and serves to motivate us to keep working and overcoming any challenges.

However, speaking together is not easy, and it requires careful planning and management. We may face some challenges, such as: finding a common goal and a shared vision among ourselves; respecting and addressing the diversity and differences in the industry; balancing the interests and needs of our colleagues; ensuring effective communication and feedback; and resolving any conflicts or disputes that may arise.

Therefore, it is urgent, now more than ever, that we join together through state associations and national membership and advocacy groups such as VGM, NCART, AAHomecare and others. Speaking together is the key factor for improving our advocacy success: It increases our credibility, awareness and coordination.

In 2024, the DMEPOS industry had a significant role in the debates in Washington, D.C. To ensure that we sustain that momentum, even in the face of setbacks, we must show a unified front, speak with a unified voice, and together be champions of change.

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

TAGS

From Our Experts

Bipartisan Medicare O&P Bill Introduced thumbnail

Bipartisan Medicare O&P Bill Introduced In a timely move ahead of next week's NAAOP Legislative Fly-In, a bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced the Medicare Orthotics and Prosthetics Patient-Centered Care Act, a bill aimed at improving access to high-quality orthotic and prosthetic care for Medicare beneficiaries. The Patient-Centered Care Act seeks to address critical gaps in Medicare coverage for orthotic and prosthetic (O&P) services. Under current rules, beneficiaries may receive devices without the necessary clinical services

Proposed Rule Suggests Significant Change To Accreditation Process thumbnail

Proposed Rule Suggests Significant Change To Accreditation Process The recently released proposed rule CMS-1828-P contains a significant change that could reshape how suppliers navigate accreditation. The rule proposes a major change that would require suppliers to be surveyed and reaccredited annually instead of the current three (3) year cadence. This proposal raises substantial questions about both operational feasibility and cost implications.

August Of Action: Your Chance To Connect With Congress thumbnail

August Of Action: Your Chance To Connect With Congress It's time to take advantage of August Of Action—a perfect opportunity to make your voice heard. Every summer, federal legislators return to their home states during the Congressional recess. While it gives them a break from Washington D.C., it's primarily a time for them to connect with constituents like you.

HR1 Passes House, Advances to President Trump's Desk for Signature thumbnail

HR1 Passes House, Advances to President Trump's Desk for Signature After extensive negotiations and partisan debate, the House has officially passed HR1, clearing the path for the bill to be signed into law by President Donald Trump. The legislation, which aims to reduce federal healthcare expenditures, contains several provisions that may impact the durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS) industry.

CMS files the Proposed Rule that sheds light on the next round of the Competitive Bidding Program thumbnail

CMS files the Proposed Rule that sheds light on the next round of the Competitive Bidding Program On June 30, 2025, CMS filed the anticipated Proposed Rule that includes updates to the Competitive Bidding Program (CBP). Public comments are due 60 days from June 30, 2025. Below is a high-level summary of the rule. It is critical to note that, according to the Proposed Rule Fact Sheet dated June 30, 2025, CMS has stated that they have not announced the specific product categories they are bidding or the specific timeframe for the next competition. Those specifics will be forthcoming in a fu

Senate Narrowly Passes HR1, Sending It Back to House for Final Approval thumbnail

Senate Narrowly Passes HR1, Sending It Back to House for Final Approval President Donald Trump's sweeping legislative package, formally titled the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act, now referred to as HR1., cleared the Senate today in a dramatic 51–50 vote, with Vice President JD Vance casting the tie-breaking vote. The bill now returns to the House, where lawmakers must decide whether to adopt the Senate's revised version or negotiate further changes before it can reach the president's desk.

Several Prominent Medicaid Provisions in Senate's Budget Bill Deemed in Violation of Byrd Rule thumbnail

Several Prominent Medicaid Provisions in Senate's Budget Bill Deemed in Violation of Byrd Rule Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough advised this week that multiple Medicaid provisions in the Senate's reconciliation bill would violate Senate procedure by violating the Byrd Rule. The Byrd Rule is a Senate-specific procedural process that allows Senators to prevent or block inclusion of extraneous provisions in reconciliation bills. Other provisions are still under review.

Evaluating the Value of a Payer Contract thumbnail

Evaluating the Value of a Payer Contract In our last article, Key Payers Denied Your Application Citing Their Network Is Closed – Now What?, we discussed strategies for addressing payer contracting denials due to a closed network. As indicated, this process can be an extremely time-consuming exercise with no guarantees and mixed results. Below are a few things to consider as you evaluate whether a contract is worth the extra effort.

Be Part of Something Bigger

Become a Member