Skip to main content

VGM & ASSOCIATESHealthcare MSO

Search GO

Search GO

LEARN ABOUT VGM

John Gallagher Emphasizes Importance of Meeting with Your Legislators During the August Recess

Published in Government Relations on July 29, 2021

August of Action The August recess is the perfect opportunity to get face-to-face with your member of Congress. This year, the recess begins on August 2 and ends on September 10. It’s important to build/maintain these relationships so HME legislation can move more efficiently through governments at both levels.

Here is John Gallagher of VGM’s Government Relations team talking about the importance of the August Recess.

Click here for the Committees of Jurisdiction that John refers to in the video, along with all August Recess toolkit items.

If you want to find and contact your representative, click here to go to our website and enter your zip code to get started.

VGM is here to help you! Your legislators typically host events to hear their constituent’s concerns. Attending in-person events like town halls is a wonderful use of your time and resources. Visit your federal and state legislators’ websites or call their offices to find out where and when they hold town halls or other local events.

Items you should discuss with your member of Congress

Accessibility to quality services and products to Medicare beneficiaries
The reimbursement rates for HME during the COVID-19 public health emergency remain in place after the PHE is over

VGM is here to equip you with the meetings whether they be virtual or in person. We can assist with scheduling meetings with your member of Congress or their staff, offering coaching sessions on how to speak with your legislator, and providing you with concise points that will best get your message across. Visit our website to view our August of Action resources.

Reach out to Emily at 319-830-1578 or Emily.Harken@vgm.com to learn more about opportunities to get involved during the August recess.

TAGS

From Our Experts

NAAOP and OPGA Co-Host Second Annual In-Person Legislative Fly-In thumbnail

NAAOP and OPGA Co-Host Second Annual In-Person Legislative Fly-In Last week, over 30 stakeholders, advocates, and leaders from around the O&P profession 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' (NAAOP) second annual in-person legislative fly-in.

Round 2028 Updates for Competitive Bidding & Interoperability Rule FAQ thumbnail

Round 2028 Updates for Competitive Bidding & Interoperability Rule FAQ On Nov. 28, 2025, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced plans for Round 2028 of the Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding Program (CBP). If you plan to bid, the time to prepare is now...

What DMEPOS Providers Need to Know About H.R. 3514: Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act thumbnail

What DMEPOS Providers Need to Know About H.R. 3514: Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act Medicare Advantage prior authorization continues to be one of the most significant operational and patient care challenges facing DMEPOS suppliers. A new bipartisan bill, H.R. 3514: Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act, seeks to increase transparency, accountability, and oversight of Medicare Advantage prior authorization practices. This bill passed out of Ways & Means markup by a unanimous vote (42-0) on July 15...

H.R. 1703 Advances, Bringing Greater Choice for Wheelchair Users thumbnail

H.R. 1703 Advances, Bringing Greater Choice for Wheelchair Users The DMEPOS community, particularly wheelchair providers and users, should be celebrating an important victory as the House approved the Choices for Increased Mobility Act (H.R. 1703).

North Carolina Medicaid Rate Floor Extended Through 2029 thumbnail

North Carolina Medicaid Rate Floor Extended Through 2029 Earlier this year, it was announced that the North Carolina General Assembly has approved the state budget, securing an additional full two-year extension of the Medicaid fee schedule floor. This protection will now remain in effect until June 30, 2029, guaranteeing that reimbursement rates will continue to be set at 100% of the lesser of the supplier's usual and customary rate or the maximum allowable Medicaid fee-for-service rate.

State Medicaid Work Requirements: The Impact on Medicaid beneficiaries and their DME Suppliers thumbnail

State Medicaid Work Requirements: The Impact on Medicaid beneficiaries and their DME Suppliers Pursuant to the work and community engagement requirements included in H.R.1, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued an interim final rule mandating a framework for Medicaid departments to follow when evaluating Medicaid beneficiary eligibility. Beginning no later than January 1, 2027, states must require certain adult Medicaid enrollees to demonstrate at least 80 hours per month of qualifying activity, which may include employment, education, or community...

Healthcare Coalition Urges Congress to Advance Supplemental Oxygen Reform thumbnail

Healthcare Coalition Urges Congress to Advance Supplemental Oxygen Reform Washington, D.C. — A broad coalition of suppliers, manufacturers, clinicians, and patient advocates is calling on Congress to advance the Supplemental Oxygen Access Reform (SOAR) Act (H.R. 2902 / S. 1406) to protect patient access to life-sustaining oxygen therapy.

Summer Advocacy Campaign-Make Your Voice Heard thumbnail

Summer Advocacy Campaign-Make Your Voice Heard Summer is the perfect time to connect with your legislators while they are back in their home states and districts. Whether you're building a new relationship or strengthening an existing one, meeting with elected officials is one of the most effective ways to advance policies that protect patient access to home medical equipment and services.

Unlock everything you need to successfully run your business.

Become a Member