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

From Our Experts

2025 CMS Proposed Rule Challenges and To-Dos thumbnail 2025 CMS Proposed Rule Challenges and To-Dos The 2025 CMS Proposed Rule for Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) introduces several significant changes that present both operational and financial challenges for DME companies. You Got the Contract! …NOW WHAT?! A Short Series thumbnail You Got the Contract! …NOW WHAT?! A Short Series Congratulations! You FINALLY got the contract you've been working so hard on all these months. Now that you have it, what are the critical next steps you need to take to maintain and implement the contract and generate ROI? Welcome to the first of a short series of articles to help you accomplish just that. NAAOP Hosts First Ever In-Person Legislative Fly-In thumbnail NAAOP Hosts First Ever In-Person Legislative Fly-In Last week, 33 stakeholders, advocates, and leaders from around the O&P industry convened at the offices of Powers Pyles Sutter & Verville PC in Washington, D.C., as part of The National Association for the Advancement of Orthotics and Prosthetics's (NAAOP) first ever in-person legislative fly-in. Co-sponsored by OPGA, the fly-in kicked off with an in-depth discussion and strategy session surrounding several legislative priorities affecting O&P providers and patients. VGM Government Relations Unveils Grassroots Advocacy Toolkit to Empower DME Champions of Change thumbnail VGM Government Relations Unveils Grassroots Advocacy Toolkit to Empower DME Champions of Change The VGM Government Relations team is proud to announce the launch of its Grassroots Advocacy Toolkit, thoughtfully crafted to support durable medical equipment (DME) professionals, caregivers, industry partners, and patient advocates in advancing legislative initiatives that impact home medical equipment and services. Featuring Two Champions Of Change: Robert Beard of YD Home Medical & Rob Minicucci Jr. of Health System Services thumbnail Featuring Two Champions Of Change: Robert Beard of YD Home Medical & Rob Minicucci Jr. of Health System Services Today, we're proud to spotlight two outstanding durable medical equipment (DME) champions whose advocacy efforts are making a meaningful difference: Robert Beard of YD Home Medical of Alabama and Rob Minicucci Jr. of Health System Services of New York. These individuals took time out of their busy schedules to personally connect with elected officials, demonstrating how local action can spark national change. Survey: Share Your Thoughts on Proposed Accreditation Rule Changes thumbnail Survey: Share Your Thoughts on Proposed Accreditation Rule Changes CQRC, VGM, and AAHomecare are requesting your feedback on a new proposed rule that could significantly impact accreditation procedures. Under the proposal, accreditation organizations would be required to conduct site visits every year—a major shift from the current once-every-three-years schedule. WEBINAR: Navigating New CMS Guidelines: Unlocking Opportunities in NIPPV and RAD Coverage for COPD Care thumbnail WEBINAR: Navigating New CMS Guidelines: Unlocking Opportunities in NIPPV and RAD Coverage for COPD Care The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has revised the NCD for Noninvasive Positive Pressure Ventilation (NIPPV) in the home setting for treating Chronic Respiratory Failure (CRF) due to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The changes aim to establish clear coverage policies for devices such as Respiratory Assist Devices (RADs) and home mechanical ventilators (HMVs), potentially expanding access to these critical therapies for eligible patients. Adapting to new CMS guidelin 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