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

Published in Government Relations on November 18, 2022

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.

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