OMEPA Celebrates Another Successful Capitol Rally Day

Published in Government Relations on April 29, 2024

OMEPAUpdated May 21, 2024

Once again, OMEPA has been successful with state grassroots. On April 23, OMEPA members gathered at the Oklahoma (OK) Capitol in support of HB1712. The “Patient’s Right of Choice” bill prohibits health insurers from refusing coverage for durable medical equipment and supplies as prescribed by a healthcare provider, regardless of whether the provider is in or out of network. No health benefit plan, HMO, PPO, or other provider network authorized to administer healthcare coverage in this state shall refuse coverage to an insured for durable medical equipment and supplies as prescribed by a healthcare provider.

OMEPA continues to push for HB1712 and works to overcome the Governor's veto after almost unanimous approval from the state legislature.

“HB 1712 has been two years in the making. We had unanimous support in the OK House and then got stuck in 2023 in the Senate when the Health Authority held up the bill. The group met with the Health Authority in February and was able to make amendments,” reports John Gallagher of VGM, who has been involved since the inception.

OMEPA owes much of their success to the strong relationships built with supportive state legislators over the years. The group reports receiving a standing ovation as the bill passed the Senate. 

Congratulations on your success on the near-unanimous approval from the state legislature, OMEPA!

OMEPA board members at the Capitol

OMEPA board members at the Capitol: Zach Hall of Cimarron Medical Services, John Gallagher of VGM, Larry Dalton of Advanced Care Medical Equipment and President of OMEPA, Rep. Dean Davis, Victor Clay of Complete Care Medical, Rep. TJ Marti, Larry Jantzen of Larry’s Home Oxygen, Kelly Kicklighter of VentilateOK, and Jennifer Martin of Advanced Care Medical Equipment.


TAGS

  1. grassroots
  2. legislation
  3. state association
  4. vgm government

From Our Experts

Senate Introduces Companion Bill to H.R. 2005: The DME Relief Act Gains Bipartisan Momentum thumbnail Senate Introduces Companion Bill to H.R. 2005: The DME Relief Act Gains Bipartisan Momentum In a significant development for the durable medical equipment (DME) industry and Medicare beneficiaries, the U.S. Senate has introduced S.2951, the companion legislation to H.R. 2005, known as the DMEPOS Relief Act of 2025. The Senate bill is being led by Senator James Lankford (R-OK) and has gained bipartisan support with Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) joining as a co-sponsor. The Government Has Shut Down... How Did We Get Here and What Does it Mean for Providers? thumbnail The Government Has Shut Down... How Did We Get Here and What Does it Mean for Providers? As expected, Democrats and Republican members of the Senate was unable to agree on terms in passing a continuing resolution (CR) ahead of the October 1st deadline, resulting in a government shutdown. But how did we get here? Take Action Today: Urge Congress To Oppose DMEPOS Bidding Expansion! thumbnail Take Action Today: Urge Congress To Oppose DMEPOS Bidding Expansion! A critical Congressional Sign-On Letter is now circulating in the House of Representatives, led by Reps. Neal Dunn (R-FL) and Greg Murphy (R-NC). This bipartisan letter calls on CMS to stop the proposed expansion of the durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding Program to include ostomy and urological supplies. Potential Government Shutdown and Telehealth Flexibilities Set to Expire thumbnail Potential Government Shutdown and Telehealth Flexibilities Set to Expire September 30 represents an important date for HME providers for two reasons: 1) The potential of a government shutdown and how that affects HHS and CMS, and 2) the expiration of Telehealth Flexibilities unless a Continuing Resolution (CR) is agreed upon in time. Meet The Candidates: Senate Hopeful Josh Turek Visits VGM Group To Champion Accessibility & Advocacy thumbnail Meet The Candidates: Senate Hopeful Josh Turek Visits VGM Group To Champion Accessibility & Advocacy Waterloo, IA — On Monday, VGM Group hosted the first of our “Meet The Candidate” forums by welcoming Iowa State Representative Josh Turek, a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate seat soon to be vacated by Senator Joni Ernst. Advocacy In Action: VGM Group, NCART, & Industry Leaders Rally In D.C. To Defend CRT & HME Access thumbnail Advocacy In Action: VGM Group, NCART, & Industry Leaders Rally In D.C. To Defend CRT & HME Access Washington, D.C. – September 2025 — A powerful few days of advocacy wrapped up in the nation's capital as representatives from VGM Group, NCART, AAHomecare, and other key stakeholders in the Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) and Home Medical Equipment (HME) industries met with lawmakers to address urgent policy concerns. 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.