VGM & ASSOCIATESHealthcare MSO
Full Menu Search

Iowa Senators Expand Their Understanding of DME Supplier Issues

Published in Government Relations on October 22, 2024

NuCara Home Medical hosted an event for Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) at their Urbandale location on Thursday, Oct. 10. Matt Flatt, CEO of NuCara Home Medical, highlighted the event as a valuable opportunity to educate Sen. Ernst on the importance of durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS) and the challenges faced by the industry. A special thanks to Matt Flatt and his team at NuCara Home Medical for organizing this fantastic event! 

NuCara

John Gallagher of VGM, Matt Flatt of NuCara Home Medical, and Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) 

NuCara Home Medical

Sen. Ernst with the NuCara Home Medical team 

On Thursday, Oct. 17, Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) visited VGM’s headquarters in Waterloo, IA. These meetings were timely, with elections just a few weeks away, emphasizing the need for legislators to consider the DME industry in year-end legislation.  

Both senators were asked to support the 75/25 blended rate in a year-end package and indicated they would voice their support to Sen. John Thune (R-SD) for S1294. 

75/25 blended rate

VGM with Sen.Grassley

John Gallagher, Christa Miehe, Jeremy Stolz, Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Adam Miller, and Emily Harken 

Currently, there is a House Dear Colleague letter supporting this legislation. Constituents are encouraged to reach out to their representatives to support this letter, which calls for the re-establishment of the Medicare 75/25 blended rate for DME in non-rural, non-competitive bid areas for 2025. 

How You Can Help: 

  1. Contact your members of Congress and urge them to support the DME industry by reaching out to the staff of Rep. Miller-Meeks (R-IA) or Rep. Tonko (D-NY). 
  2. Highlight the importance and emphasize that fair reimbursement rates are crucial for DME suppliers to provide Medicare beneficiaries with the necessary supplies and services to heal at home, rather than in a hospital. 

Contact Information: 

  • Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks’ Health Staff: Blake Thelander (blake.thelander@mail.house.gov) 
  • Rep. Paul Tonko’s Health Staff: Emily Silverberg (emily.silverberg@mail.house.gov) 

Engage with Legislators: Legislators will be home for most of October until election day. This is a great opportunity to meet your legislators in person! Here are some ways to engage: 

  • Invite them to your office for a tour and meeting. 
  • Request an in-person meeting at their office. 
  • Attend a public event like a state or town fair and speak directly to them about the issues. 
  • Reach out to their staff members requesting support. 

The period after elections but before the new administration takes over is known as the “lame duck” period. This is an interesting time, as outgoing politicians can make decisions with little fear of consequence, presenting a great opportunity to gain additional support for DME legislation. We are hopeful there will be an end-of-the-year package that will carry the DME bill. 

Please reach out to Emily Harken at Emily.harken@vgm.com if you would like any assistance connecting with your legislator!  

TAGS

  1. advocacy
  2. dmepos
  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

VGM Submits Comments Regarding the Section 232 National Security Investigation On Medical Imports thumbnail VGM Submits Comments Regarding the Section 232 National Security Investigation On Medical Imports VGM has submitted formal comments to the U.S. Department of Commerce in response to its Section 232 National Security Investigation into the importation of personal protective equipment (PPE), medical consumables, and medical equipment and devices. Senate Backs DME Relief Act with Bipartisan Support thumbnail Senate Backs DME Relief Act with Bipartisan Support In a significant development for the durable medical equipment (DME) industry and Medicare beneficiaries, the U.S. Senate has introduced S.2951, the companion legislation to H.R. 2005, known as the DMEPOS Relief Act of 2025. The Senate bill is being led by Senator James Lankford (R-OK) and has gained bipartisan support with Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) joining as a co-sponsor. Gov't Shutdown: What It Means for Providers thumbnail Gov't Shutdown: What It Means for Providers As expected, Democrats and Republican members of the Senate was unable to agree on terms in passing a continuing resolution (CR) ahead of the October 1st deadline, resulting in a government shutdown. But how did we get here? Oppose DMEPOS Bidding Expansion – Take Action Now thumbnail Oppose DMEPOS Bidding Expansion – Take Action Now A critical Congressional Sign-On Letter is now circulating in the House of Representatives, led by Reps. Neal Dunn (R-FL) and Greg Murphy (R-NC). This bipartisan letter calls on CMS to stop the proposed expansion of the durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding Program to include ostomy and urological supplies. Gov't Shutdown & Telehealth Flexibility Expiration thumbnail Gov't Shutdown & Telehealth Flexibility Expiration September 30 represents an important date for HME providers for two reasons: 1) The potential of a government shutdown and how that affects HHS and CMS, and 2) the expiration of Telehealth Flexibilities unless a Continuing Resolution (CR) is agreed upon in time. Josh Turek Visits VGM to Champion Accessibility & Advocacy thumbnail Josh Turek Visits VGM to Champion Accessibility & Advocacy Waterloo, IA — On Monday, VGM Group hosted the first of our “Meet The Candidate” forums by welcoming Iowa State Representative Josh Turek, a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate seat soon to be vacated by Senator Joni Ernst. VGM & NCART Rally in D.C. to Defend CRT & HME Access thumbnail VGM & NCART Rally in D.C. to Defend CRT & HME Access Washington, D.C. – September 2025 — A powerful few days of advocacy wrapped up in the nation's capital as representatives from VGM Group, NCART, AAHomecare, and other key stakeholders in the Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) and Home Medical Equipment (HME) industries met with lawmakers to address urgent policy concerns. Igniting Champions Of Change During August Recess thumbnail Igniting Champions Of Change During August Recess This August recess, DME suppliers across the country seized the opportunity to engage with lawmakers and advocate for critical DMEPOS legislation. Their efforts are helping to build momentum and expand the network of congressional supporters.

Be Part of Something Bigger

Become a Member