VGM & ASSOCIATESHealthcare MSO
Full Menu Search

Link Update: Priorities Set for DMEPOS as VGM's State Leader Summit Last Week

Published in Government Relations on November 18, 2022

State Leader's Summit

VGM’s annual State Leader Summit wrapped up last week at the VGM headquarters in Waterloo, IA. Leaders from state associations all over the country attended and discussed priorities for 2023 as well as ways to improve their associations.

One of the most productive meetings was with CMS’s Competitive Acquisition Ombudsman, Tangita Daramola, and CMS’s Regional Administrator, John Hannigan. Representatives from each of the regional offices were also at the virtual meeting. Tangita and John Hannigan discussed and understood the challenges DMEPOS suppliers are enduring to get patients the products and services they need, even with mounting hurdles such as low reimbursement, audits, supply chain issues, staffing issues, and more.  Each association representative was given a few minutes to introduce themselves and discuss their member’s concerns.  These issues are being organized and will be sent to CMS for review.

The group was also able to discuss the need for reimbursement relief to be included in an end-of-the-year omnibus bill. H.R. 6641- DMEPOS Relief Act and the extension of the CARES Act push reimbursement rates beyond the end of the PHE. Earlier this week, various sources reported that the PHE will extend past January. This is good news for providers! Read this article for more information here!

VGM and the state leaders will be soliciting feedback from members on their priorities for 2023. More information will be forthcoming.

Thank you to all who braved the Iowa winter weather to attend the conference! Below are some great pictures of the event.

Soup Contest

Mike Hamilton

TAGS

  1. state association
  2. vgm
  3. vgm government

Get Connected

Stay up-to-date on the latest resources and news provided by VGM & Associates.

Sign Up for Email

From Our Experts

Advocacy in Action: Texas DME Providers Stand Up For Patient Care thumbnail Advocacy in Action: Texas DME Providers Stand Up For Patient Care Texas DME providers are speaking out against proposed Medicaid reimbursement rate cuts that threaten access to essential medical equipment for vulnerable patients. At a recent public hearing, voices from across the state shared powerful stories about the real-world impact of these cuts—some as high as 85%. The Shutdown Has Ended—Now It's Time To Take Action thumbnail The Shutdown Has Ended—Now It's Time To Take Action The recent government shutdown created uncertainty across the healthcare landscape, and the DMEPOS community was no exception. In the weeks ahead, critical decisions will shape the future of our industry. By getting involved early—through advocacy, education, and collaboration—you can help ensure these policies support patients and providers rather than hinder them. Notably, the Continuing Resolution (CR) includes an extension of Medicare telehealth flexibilities through January 2026... New Issue Brief: Why Medicare's Competitive Bidding Program Needs Urgent Reform thumbnail New Issue Brief: Why Medicare's Competitive Bidding Program Needs Urgent Reform The Medicare competitive bidding program for durable medical equipment (DME) was designed to reduce costs—but it's failing patients and providers. A new issue brief from Pacific Research Institute and economist Wayne Winegarden highlights what changes are urgently needed. Champions of Change: DME Advocates Driving Real Change thumbnail Champions of Change: DME Advocates Driving Real Change Real change starts with real people. In this edition of Champions of Change, we're spotlighting two DME advocates who aren't just talking about problems—they're taking action. David Griffin and Gary Rench are showing us what it means to stand up for patients, providers, and the future of our industry. Join HME Industry Letter on CB Program to CMS Administrator Oz thumbnail Join HME Industry Letter on CB Program to CMS Administrator Oz HME suppliers, manufacturers, and distributors are invited to add their company's name to a letter to CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz regarding the Administration's DMEPOS/Home Health Proposed Rule that includes provisions for a new competitive bidding round. The letter specifically asks CMS to withdraw or delay the DMEPOS provisions in the Proposed Rule and re-engage with industry, patient, and clinical stakeholders to design an evidence-based, fraud-resistant, America-First framework. Take Action Today: Urge CMS to Pause and Re-Evaluate the Competitive Bidding Program thumbnail Take Action Today: Urge CMS to Pause and Re-Evaluate the Competitive Bidding Program Now is the time to raise our voices. With the formal announcement of the Competitive Bidding (CB) Program expected as early as the end of this month, we must act swiftly and decisively. Below are two key opportunities to engage with your U.S. Representative and encourage their support for a Congressional letter urging Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to pause and reassess the CB Program. Legislative Momentum in the HME Industry: Key Updates & Action Items thumbnail Legislative Momentum in the HME Industry: Key Updates & Action Items The past few months have seen a surge of legislative activity in the home medical equipment sector, with several key developments shaping policy and advocacy efforts across the industry. From new bills introduced in Congress to formal comment submissions and stakeholder mobilization, these events reflect growing momentum around critical issues affecting providers and patients alike. This article offers a comprehensive recap of recent actions and outlines important next steps for those... VGM Submits Comments Regarding the Section 232 National Security Investigation On Medical Imports thumbnail VGM Submits Comments Regarding the Section 232 National Security Investigation On Medical Imports VGM has submitted formal comments to the U.S. Department of Commerce in response to its Section 232 National Security Investigation into the importation of personal protective equipment (PPE), medical consumables, and medical equipment and devices.

Give your business an advantage over the competition.

Become a Member