VGM & ASSOCIATESHealthcare MSO
Full Menu Search

Iowa Leads the Charge! All Four Representatives Back H.R. 2005—Will Your State Step Up?

Published in Government Relations on May 23, 2025

At VGM Group, Inc. we have the pleasure of serving our members and partners throughout the country.  One of the many ways we do this is through legislative advocacy, working with our partners to create a more equitable and effective healthcare system. All our VGM units are dedicated to advancing our partners’ businesses, streamlining operations, and working every day to enhance reimbursement for the quality in-home healthcare our industry provides all people.   

Acting upon that mission, VGM Group Inc has worked hard to develop strong relationships with our own elected officials here at home. To that end, we are excited to announce Iowa has secured full backing for H.R. 2005 (DME Relief Act) with all four of its Representatives united in support. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks spearheaded the effort out of Energy & Commerce, as the original cosponsor, joined by Rep. Randy Feenstra leading the charge out of Ways & Means.   

At last week’s AAHomecare Washington Legislative Conference, the VGM team met with all four Representatives and both Iowa Senators to discuss critical DME issues and champion the bill. This advocacy paid off as we have been notified that Rep. Zach Nunn confirmed his support earlier this week, and today, Rep. Ashley Hinson officially joined the effort!   

We know that all politics is local—creating relationships now helps to advance the lifesaving work that this industry does every day. At VGM Group, Inc. we are proud to stand by our partners to create a better healthcare environment for all!! 

VGM Group

If you attended the AAHomecare Legislative Conference, have you followed up with your member of Congress? Sometimes, a simple reminder is all it takes to secure their commitment. 

For those who could not attend, now is the time to take action! Contact your legislators and urge them to support H.R. 2005. Following up next week can help reinforce the bill’s significance and how it impacts your business, your patients, and their constituents. 

Will your state rise to the challenge and secure 100% support? Let’s make it happen! 

Find your legislator and their contact information by entering your zip code here: Find Your Representative | house.gov 

Need assistance reaching your members’ office? Contact VGM’s Emily Kettman at Emily.kettman@vgm.com. 

Get Connected

Stay up-to-date on the latest resources and news provided by VGM & Associates.

Sign Up for Email

From Our Experts

The Big Sky Association of Medical Equipment Suppliers Welcomes UTAH! thumbnail The Big Sky Association of Medical Equipment Suppliers Welcomes UTAH! The Big Sky Association of Medical Equipment Suppliers is pleased to announce that Utah has officially been accepted into the association as our newest participating state. Big Sky now proudly welcomes all Utah DME/HME, Respiratory, CRT, and Medical Supply companies into our regional association. Utah will have a designated state representative/director—appointed in the same manner as Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming—to ensure strong representation and a clear voice within the Association. 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.

Give your business an advantage over the competition.

Become a Member