VGMHealthcare MSO
Full Menu

OMEPA Celebrates Another Successful Capitol Rally Day

Published in VGM 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

The Elections Are Over. Democrats Control Congress. What Now? thumbnail The Elections Are Over. Democrats Control Congress. What Now? The votes have been counted, the campaign signs are finally coming down, and Democrats will enter 2027 controlling both the House and the Senate. While election outcomes always grab the headlines, what matters most for the home medical equipment industry is what happens next. HME Suppliers Guide to the 2026 Elections thumbnail HME Suppliers Guide to the 2026 Elections As policymakers at both the federal and state levels continue to shape healthcare policy, it is more important than ever for HME suppliers to stay informed and engaged. Decisions made by elected officials can have a significant impact on patient access to care, reimbursement, regulatory requirements, and the future of the home medical equipment industry. Showing Up...It Matters! thumbnail Showing Up...It Matters! We've all heard the phrase, "Showing up matters." That can mean a lot of different things at different times in our lives, even changing daily. Perhaps it means leaving work early to attend your children's event. Maybe it means not missing that important meeting at work. No doubt, both of those things are important. For us here in the Government Relations corner of VGM Group, it means something additional. Matthew Flatt: A Champion for Change in Home Medical Equipment thumbnail Matthew Flatt: A Champion for Change in Home Medical Equipment In every industry, there are people who do more than simply lead organizations. They inspire progress, build relationships, and create lasting change. In the home medical equipment (HME) industry, Matthew Flatt, CEO of Medicap Home Medical (formerly NuCara Home Medical) and President of the Midwest Association for Medical Equipment Services (MAMES), is one of those individuals... Full Legislative Text Released for Bipartisan Supply Bill H.R. 10787 thumbnail Full Legislative Text Released for Bipartisan Supply Bill H.R. 10787 Representatives Brad Schneider (IL-10) and Greg Murphy, M.D. (NC-03) have introduced the bipartisan Access to Medical Supplies Act, legislation designed to protect Medicare beneficiaries who rely on ostomy and urological supplies. The bill would... Support H.R. 10787 to Protect Patient Access to Supplies thumbnail Support H.R. 10787 to Protect Patient Access to Supplies The DMEPOS community has an important opportunity to protect access to vital urological and ostomy supplies for Medicare beneficiaries. Rep. Greg Murphy (R-NC) and Rep. Brad Schneider (D-IL) have introduced H.R. 10787, bipartisan legislation that would amend Title XVIII of the Social Security Act to exclude urological and ostomy supplies from Medicare competitive acquisition programs for five years... CMS Announces Registration and Bid Window Dates for Round 2028 thumbnail CMS Announces Registration and Bid Window Dates for Round 2028 Yesterday, CMS announced the Round 2028 bidding details with registration opening December 1, 2026, and the bid window opening January 5, 2027. The new Round 2028 timeline is as follows... Congratulations to CAMPS On This Important Legislative Victory thumbnail Congratulations to CAMPS On This Important Legislative Victory The signing of AB 1794 is another reminder of the critical role state associations play in shaping healthcare policy, removing barriers to patient care, and ensuring providers have a seat at the table when important decisions are made. Legislative successes like this do not happen by accident. They are the result of engaged members, strong advocacy efforts, and collaboration with policymakers to address real-world challenges facing providers and the patients they serve.

Be Part of Something Bigger

Become a Member