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

H.R. 5555 Gets Amended and Passes Energy and Commerce Committee thumbnail H.R. 5555 Gets Amended and Passes Energy and Commerce Committee On Wednesday, Dec. 6, The House Energy and Commerce Committee approved an amended version of H.R. 5555. The amended version of this bill extends the 75/25 blended rate in non-rural, non-CBAs through 2024 but does not include the 90/10 blended rate adjustment for suppliers in former CBAs. A Note from the SVP, Mike A Note from the SVP, Mike "Ike" Isaacson: November 2023 I hope this newsletter finds you healthy, happy, and focused on finishing out a great year! As many of you may have read, I have begun to focus more on our advocacy efforts and ensuring that VGM is here to support you in the legislative and regulatory aspects of your business. I know firsthand that some of you are dialed into the advocacy world, while others may not view these activities as an important part of your business. In our current government climate, I implore you to re-evaluate your a H.R. 5555 Gets Approved By Health Subcommittee thumbnail H.R. 5555 Gets Approved By Health Subcommittee On Wednesday, Nov. 15, the Health Subcommittee convened the health markup. The DMEPOS Relief Act of 2023 (H.R. 5555) was included in the discussion and approved. H.R. 5555 will now move on to the Energy and Commerce committee for consideration in the next few weeks. Important HME Legislation Being Discussed By Health Subcommittee on Wednesday thumbnail Important HME Legislation Being Discussed By Health Subcommittee on Wednesday On Wednesday, Nov. 15, the Health Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee is set to meet and discuss important legislation. Included in this session will be H.R. 5555, DMEPOS Relief Act of 2023. This bill, led by Rep. Miller-Meeks (IA) and Rep. Tonko (NY) provides much-needed reimbursement relief. Read the full public memo here. Ronda Vlog: CGM News - Update On the 90 Days Billable on January 1, 2024 thumbnail Ronda Vlog: CGM News - Update On the 90 Days Billable on January 1, 2024 Be sure to listen to this important video update from Ronda Buhrmester on the upcoming change on how to bill a 90-day supply for CGMs. VGM's Ike Isaacson Gets 'Revved Up' thumbnail VGM's Ike Isaacson Gets 'Revved Up' WATERLOO, Iowa – A singular focus and a singular voice: That's what it takes to get the HME industry's message across to both lawmakers and regulators, says Mike “Ike” Isaacson, who was recently named senior vice president of government relations at VGM & Associates. A Summary of the Final Rule on the Lymphedema Treatment Act Recently Released by CMS thumbnail A Summary of the Final Rule on the Lymphedema Treatment Act Recently Released by CMS Craig Douglas, VP of Payer Relations, VGM and Associates, has reviewed the document and summarized the important information. Champions of Change Pushing for 55 in 55 Make Moves in Illinois thumbnail Champions of Change Pushing for 55 in 55 Make Moves in Illinois Champions of Change are making a strong start in the push for 55 in 55 (The goal of 55 in 55 is to schedule 55 visits with legislators and/or their staff in 55 days). Yesterday, a room of nearly 20 people gathered at VGM member, Prism Health Care Services in Schaumburg, IL to discuss S. 1294, current DME rates impacted by supply chain, delivery costs, employee costs, inflation, and so much more.