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

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: Alabama Durable Medical Equipment Association (ADMEA) Seeks New Executive Director thumbnail Alabama Durable Medical Equipment Association (ADMEA) Seeks New Executive Director The Alabama Durable Medical Equipment Association (ADMEA) is now accepting applications for the role of Executive Director. This is an exciting leadership opportunity for an individual with a passion for healthcare, industry advocacy, and association management. 2025 CMS Proposed Rule Challenges and To-Dos thumbnail 2025 CMS Proposed Rule Challenges and To-Dos The 2025 CMS Proposed Rule for Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) introduces several significant changes that present both operational and financial challenges for DME companies. You Got the Contract! …NOW WHAT?! A Short Series thumbnail You Got the Contract! …NOW WHAT?! A Short Series Congratulations! You FINALLY got the contract you've been working so hard on all these months. Now that you have it, what are the critical next steps you need to take to maintain and implement the contract and generate ROI? Welcome to the first of a short series of articles to help you accomplish just that.