Skip to main content

VGM & ASSOCIATESHealthcare MSO

Search GO

Search GO

VGM & ASSOCIATESHealthcare MSO LEARN ABOUT VGM

Melanie Ewald Joins VGM Government Relations Team As VP Of Payer Relations And Reimbursement

Published in Government Relations on April 09, 2025

VGM Government Relations is proud to announce the addition of Melanie Ewald as Vice Melanie Ewald as Vice President Of Payer Relations And Reimbursement. President Of Payer Relations And Reimbursement.

As a payer relations and regulatory expert, Melanie has honed her skills in payer contracting, enrollment, credentialing, compliance, and audits. Her ability to navigate complex regulatory landscapes and optimize payer relationships has earned her recognition as a leader in the field.

Melanie's commitment to the healthcare industry extends beyond her professional roles. She has been actively involved with several durable medical equipment (DME) associations, including serving as a former board member of the Ohio Association of Medical Equipment Services (OAMES) and participating on the American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare) Payer Relations Council.

Melanie is also an attorney specializing in health law with a career deeply rooted in the healthcare industry. Her extensive experience includes roles in a holistic hospital-based clinic, the Minnesota Hospital Association, and the DME sector. Melanie's contributions have consistently focused on improving healthcare systems and operations, making her an asset to the VGM Government Relations team and our industry partners.

Melanie shares her adventures with her English Springer Spaniel rescue, Jessi, who inspires her love for exploration and connection. In her spare time, Melanie enjoys hiking, cross-country skiing, and cycling, which has become her favorite fitness pursuit.

Melanie is also deeply committed to personal and professional growth, actively participating in multiple women’s groups dedicated to empowerment and development. These groups provide her with opportunities for reflection, connection, and mentorship, reinforcing her belief in continuous growth and giving back to her community.

A Bright Future With VGM

Melanie’s expertise and dedication make her an invaluable addition to the VGM Government Relations team.

We are thrilled to welcome Melanie and look forward to the positive impact she will undoubtedly make in her new role.

From Our Experts

Igniting Champions Of Change During August Recess thumbnail

Igniting Champions Of Change During August Recess This August recess, DME suppliers across the country seized the opportunity to engage with lawmakers and advocate for critical DMEPOS legislation. Their efforts are helping to build momentum and expand the network of congressional supporters.

You Got The Contract! ...Now What?! Part 3: Contract Implementation thumbnail

You Got The Contract! ...Now What?! Part 3: Contract Implementation Contract Implementation: Turning Agreements Into Revenue Securing a contract is worth celebrating—but what happens next is just as critical. Do you have a structured process for implementation, or does the contract sit in your inbox waiting for an issue to arise? A robust implementation workflow is essential to ensure accurate and timely reimbursement and avoid preventable denials.

Deadline To Comment On CMS' Proposed Rule Is Today thumbnail

Deadline To Comment On CMS' Proposed Rule Is Today VGM Group has submitted our comments on the CY26 CMS DMEPOS/Home Health Proposed Rule and encourages you to do the same (if you haven't done so already)!  Our comments provide key recommendations aimed at protecting patient access and supporting the HME community.  VGM's Key Recommendations Include:

CONNECT for Health Act Gains Bipartisan Telehealth Support thumbnail

CONNECT for Health Act Gains Bipartisan Telehealth Support On April 2, 2025, a bipartisan group of 60 senators reintroduced the CONNECT for Health Act, legislation that would expand patient access to telehealth services through Medicare while removing barriers to adoption. The bill would also make permanent the COVID-19 telehealth flexibilities currently set to expire Sept. 30. The lead sponsors of the bill are Sens. Brian Schatz (D-HI), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Mark Warner (D-VA), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Peter Welch (D-VT), and John Barrasso (R-WY).

[Vlog] Important Updates Regarding NIPPV NCD thumbnail

[Vlog] Important Updates Regarding NIPPV NCD Watch below an important update from Ronda Burhmester, Sr. Director Payer Relations & Reimbursement, VGM & Associates, regarding non-invasive pressure ventilation.

Make Your Voice Heard On The Competitive Bidding Program thumbnail

Make Your Voice Heard On The Competitive Bidding Program “If the Competitive Bidding Program goes forward, it will be devastating—not just for providers like me but, most importantly, for the patients we serve,” said Jonathan Temple, owner of OxyMed LLC.

You Got the Contract! Part 2: Maintaining It thumbnail

You Got the Contract! Part 2: Maintaining It In our last article, we discussed the key provisions to be sure you know about your contract. It is critical to understand these provisions to help comply with the contract terms, fulfill your obligations as your business changes, and understand the payer's obligations and your rights under the contract. In this article we discuss some best practices for managing your contracts once you get them.

Industry Uncertainty & Advocacy: What You Can Do Now thumbnail

Industry Uncertainty & Advocacy: What You Can Do Now The proposed rule introduces broad structural changes without full clarity on implementation timelines or enforcement. Industry groups like VGM, AAHomecare, and CQRC are urging stakeholders to engage in advocacy to shape final rules. To prepare for the sweeping changes in the 2025 CMS Proposed Rule for DMEPOS, companies should take a multi-pronged strategic approach. Here is a breakdown of key preparation strategies:

Give your business an advantage over the competition.

Become a Member