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

Published in Government Relations on July 29, 2021

August of ActionThe 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

  1. phe
  2. reimbursement
  3. vgm government

From Our Experts

Medicare Advantage Plans Are in Flux: What Providers Should Know thumbnail Medicare Advantage Plans Are in Flux: What Providers Should Know As reported by HME News WASHINGTON – Medicare Advantage (MA) plans will face new restrictions in 2026 that could force insurers to rethink their business models, according to payer relations experts. While these changes don't directly impact home medical equipment (HME) providers today, they could influence future plan design and reimbursement strategies. BOC Reinstated As Approved Accrediting Organization thumbnail BOC Reinstated As Approved Accrediting Organization As reported by HME News: Court grants company's motion for temporary restraining order against CMS OWINGS Mills, MD.—The Board of Certification/Accreditation (BOC) has been reinstated as an approved accrediting organization (AO) in all but four states, the company has announced. Click here to read the full article from HME News. The federal court has granted a temporary restraining order (“TRO”) in favor of BOC…thereby restoring BOC as an accrediting organization in all states except N DMEPOS Bills Gaining Momentum thumbnail DMEPOS Bills Gaining Momentum Fresh off a great House Energy & Commerce Health Sub-Committee hearing, now is the perfect time to reach out to your representative(s) and ask them to support the DMEPOS Relief Act, H.R. 2005; Choices for Increased Mobility Act of 2025, H.R. 1703; and the Supplemental Oxygen Access Reform Act of 2025, H.R. 2902. CMS Changes Competitive Bid Program Impacting Contracts and Bid Submission Requirements for Financial Documentation – What Providers Need to Know thumbnail CMS Changes Competitive Bid Program Impacting Contracts and Bid Submission Requirements for Financial Documentation – What Providers Need to Know The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' (CMS) changes to the DMEPOS Competitive Bid Program as outlined in CMS-1828-F will reshape how suppliers prepare bids, qualify for contracts, and manage operational readiness. For DME suppliers, understanding both the changes to the contract awards and the bid submission is essential to understanding and preparing for the next bidding cycle. Meet The Candidates: VGM Hosts Rep. Randy Feenstra, Iowa Gubernatorial Candidate thumbnail Meet The Candidates: VGM Hosts Rep. Randy Feenstra, Iowa Gubernatorial Candidate Waterloo, Iowa – On Monday, VGM Group welcomed employees and local guests for another installment of its Meet The Candidates series. The featured guest was Rep. Randy Feenstra, current Congressman for Iowa's 4th District and a strong supporter of DMEPOS legislation. Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee to Hold Hearing on Medicare Payment Policy Legislation – Thursday, Jan. 8 thumbnail Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee to Hold Hearing on Medicare Payment Policy Legislation – Thursday, Jan. 8 The House Energy & Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Health will hold a hearing titled “Legislative Proposals to Support Patient Access to Medicare Services” on Thursday, Jan. 8, at 10:15 a.m. (ET). CMS Releases CPI-U Adjustments for DMEPOS In 2026 And Fee Schedule Q1 thumbnail CMS Releases CPI-U Adjustments for DMEPOS In 2026 And Fee Schedule Q1 The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the annual inflation factor to be applied to DMEPOS items effective January 1, 2026, with an implementation date of January 5, 2026. The breakdown of the adjustment is dependent upon whether the serviced items are included in the competitive bidding program (CBP) or are in formerly competitive bid areas (CBAs) such as rural and non-rural. Update from the Board of Certification/Accreditation thumbnail Update from the Board of Certification/Accreditation Yesterday, the Board of Certification/Accreditation (BOC) issued a clarification regarding the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid's (CMS) recent announcement about withdrawing BOC Accreditation. Here are the key updates...