John Gallagher and Greg Packer Attend Successful Fly-In on Capitol Hill

Published in Government Relations on May 16, 2023

On May 10, John Gallagher, VP of VGM Government Relations, and Greg Packer, President of U.S. Rehab, participated in the AAHomecare Fly-In event in Washington D.C. The purpose of their attendance was to discuss key industry issues with members of Congress and their staff. 

John, Guthrie, Witter, Apria

One of the main focuses of their discussions was the introduction of S. 1294. This bill aims to establish a 75/25 blended rate for non-rural, non-competitive bidding area (CBA) suppliers. Senator Stabenow from Michigan and Senator Thune from South Dakota are the sponsors of this bill. Additionally, talks were underway regarding a potential house bill with Representative Tonko from New York. 

The plan for the competitive bid program and its current status with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) was also discussed. Gallagher and Packer highlighted the fact that suppliers have been operating under the same rates since 2016, despite significant inflation and supply chain issues. This ended on the topic of deficit reduction through sequestration. Strategies to mitigate the impact of sequestration on the industry were explored. 

Positive interactions were reported with staff at Senator Crapo's office, Senator Lankford, staff from Senator Ernst's office, and a member of Representative Feenestra’s office. These individuals expressed support for the industry's efforts and willingness to help. 

John with Staff Member

Conversations that were had with individuals such as Rep. Miller-Meeks and staff from Senator Grassley’s office were productive, with a willingness to review the information and work towards future collaboration. There was a shared understanding of issues related to blended rates (75/25) and the complex rehab technology (CRT) information. 

Additionally, Senator Marshall from Kansas was working on a bill called the "Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act," which would aid in the prior authorization (PA) process. The meeting with Senator Marshall was productive. 

Greg and Wayne

Overall, Packer and Gallagher attended 14 successful meetings in D.C., with various members of Congress and their staff showing support and understanding of the industry's concerns. VGM Government Relations will continue to champion change for the industry throughout the year on Capitol Hill and at the grassroots level.  


TAGS

  1. cms
  2. complex rehab
  3. medicare
  4. vgm
  5. vgm government

From Our Experts

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. Legislative Momentum in the HME Industry: Key Updates & Action Items thumbnail Legislative Momentum in the HME Industry: Key Updates & Action Items The past few months have seen a surge of legislative activity in the home medical equipment sector, with several key developments shaping policy and advocacy efforts across the industry. From new bills introduced in Congress to formal comment submissions and stakeholder mobilization, these events reflect growing momentum around critical issues affecting providers and patients alike. This article offers a comprehensive recap of recent actions and outlines important next steps for those... 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.