Skip to main content

VGM & ASSOCIATESHealthcare MSO

Search GO

Search GO

LEARN ABOUT VGM

MAMES Members discuss critical industry issues with Senator Thune

Published in Government Relations on June 30, 2022

MAMES and Thune

As reported by MAMES:

"MAMES is very grateful to Senator Thune for taking the time to sit down in person with MAMES Members in Sioux Falls, South Dakota to discuss the critical issues facing our industry and the clients we so devotedly serve every day. Members thanked the Senator for his leadership on past legislation including the CARES Act and the important relief it provided during extraordinary times.” said Rose Schafhauser, MAMES Executive Director.

“Senator Thune spent an hour listening to MAMES providers explain how they were an integral part of the health care continuum during the pandemic, playing a critical role in getting patients out of the hospitals and long-term care and allowing patients to recover in their homes”. continued Schafhauser.” ”Members also shared the immense challenges they are operating under as healthcare providers including: Critical staffing shortage, incredible cost increases for patient products plus additional surcharges for each items that cannot be passed on to the consumer, reimbursement rates based on flawed 2015 pricing for Medicare and most private pay insurances and even lower rates for many Medicare Managed Care programs and burdensome documentation requirements that place the HME Provider in the middle between patients and their Doctors.”

Representatives from MAMES, VGM Group, AAHomecare asked Senator Thune for help in extending the CARES Act relief for the HME community after the public health emergency ends and to assist the industry in getting answers from CMS on the future of the so-called competitive bidding program going forward.

“MAMES looks forward to working with Senator Thune as we continue to work to protect our industry, our members and the clients and patients they serve every day. I would like to also extend my sincerest gratitude to each of the MAMES Members who took the time from busy schedules to travel to this event. And also, Jay Witter, AAHomecare and John Gallagher, VGM Group for attending and bringing your expertise to this critical meeting.” added Rose Schafhauser.

TAGS

From Our Experts

Legislative Update On DMEPOS Bills – Letter To CMS Admin Dr. Oz To Delay Competitive Bidding Program thumbnail

Legislative Update On DMEPOS Bills – Letter To CMS Admin Dr. Oz To Delay Competitive Bidding Program Many of you have already contacted your legislators in support of key DME legislation, including the DMEPOS Relief Act, the Choices for Increased Mobility Act, and the Supplemental Oxygen Access Reform (SOAR) Act. We now have another important issue to bring to your attention.

CMS Revises Nebulizer Policy and ABN Form thumbnail

CMS Revises Nebulizer Policy and ABN Form CMS has issued an update regarding revisions to the CMS Nebulizer Policy Article and guidance on the Advanced Beneficiary Notice of Noncoverage (ABN) Form. For dates of service on or after Feb. 1, 2026, suppliers must include the KX, GA, or GZ modifier to claims for the following nebulizer items:

CMS Releases Updated Telehealth FAQ After Funding Bill Extends Flexibilities Through 2027 thumbnail

CMS Releases Updated Telehealth FAQ After Funding Bill Extends Flexibilities Through 2027 Earlier this week, Congress extended Medicare telehealth flexibilities through Dec, 31, 2027, as part of the newly signed federal funding bill. In response, CMS has released updated Telehealth Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) to provide clarity on what the extension means for both patients and providers.

Shutdown Ends, Telehealth Prevails as Pres. Trump Signs Funding Bill thumbnail

Shutdown Ends, Telehealth Prevails as Pres. Trump Signs Funding Bill The four-day partial federal government shutdown officially ended on Feb. 3, 2026, after President Donald Trump signed a $1.2 trillion funding package that reopens most federal agencies and restores key programs.

CMS Releases New HCPCS thumbnail

CMS Releases New HCPCS The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released an update adding eight new oxygen HCPCS codes to the Required Face-to-Face and Written Order Prior to Delivery List and adding five new orthoses and two HCPCS codes to the Required Prior Authorization List. The changes go into effect April 13, 2026.

Meet the Candidates: Rep. Ashley Hinson Visits VGM During U.S. Senate Campaign thumbnail

Meet the Candidates: Rep. Ashley Hinson Visits VGM During U.S. Senate Campaign Waterloo, Iowa — On Wednesday, VGM Group welcomed employees, local DME suppliers, and community guests for the latest installment of its Meet the Candidates series. The featured guest was Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-IA), who currently represents Iowa's 2nd Congressional District and is now running for the U.S. Senate following Sen. Joni Ernst's decision not to seek reelection in 2026.

Grassroots Accountability Program Wants YOU! Become a DMEPOS Advocate thumbnail

Grassroots Accountability Program Wants YOU! Become a DMEPOS Advocate Are you interested in politics or curious about how government really works behind the scenes The Grassroots Accountability Program (GAP) is a great opportunity to expand your civic knowledge, build meaningful relationships with your state and federal legislators, and make a direct impact on the future of the DMEPOS industry.

CMS Issues FAQ On DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program thumbnail

CMS Issues FAQ On DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued a DMEPOS CBP Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) providing clarification on several points of the next round.

Give your business an advantage over the competition.

Become a Member