Local Relationships Matter

Published in Government Relations on March 11, 2025

VGM Group, Inc is proud to announce that Rep. Miller-Meeks (R-IA) and Rep. Feenstra (R-IA) are lead sponsors of the DMEPOS Relief Act (H.R. 2005)! This bill will provide the 75/25 DME Relief and guide our work in the 119th Congress. Working alongside our industry partner, MAMES, VGM has long been cultivating relationships with the Iowa delegation with the hope that they will continue to be champions of change for the home medical equipment industry. Their support of DME suppliers is evident in their continued efforts to lead the passing of equitable reimbursement legislation.

Additional sponsors include Rep. Tonko (D-NY) and Rep. Panetta (D-CA). This gives us two members of Energy & Commerce and two members of Ways & Means championing our cause! 

Both Representatives understand that people want to stay in their homes and live independently. The DME industry provides that opportunity, and we are honored to continue to partner with Rep. Miller-Meeks and Rep. Feenstra to create a robust, efficient, and effective home health experience for all people. 

“Durable medical equipment like wheelchairs, oxygen tanks, walkers, and blood sugar monitors are critical for our seniors and Iowans recovering from surgery. However, our neighbors in rural communities face higher costs for these devices and DME providers often absorb these increased prices because of outdated reimbursement policies. That must change,” said Rep. Feenstra.

 Feenstra John and ikeIke and MMM

"Several years ago, I made a six-hour drive to Hull, IA, to meet with a newly elected Representative. Meeting Representative Feenstra for the first time, I was impressed by his knowledge of healthcare and his commitment to supporting people in their homes. Fast forward to today, and we are thrilled to have Ways & Means member Rep. Feenstra championing the DMEPOS Relief Act (H.R. 2005). Adding to the strong Iowa connection is our friend and champion, Rep. Miller-Meeks. This VGM relationship began at the state level when she served in the Iowa Legislature. VGM is proud to collaborate with our Iowa Representatives, legislators across the country, industry stakeholders, and our members to be true Champions of Change." Ike Isaacson

We encourage you to reach out to your Representative today and ask them to support the DMEPOS Relief Act (H.R. 2005) and become a Champion of Change! Click here to contact your representative and urge them to support this crucial legislation. 

From Our Experts

Industry Uncertainty And Advocacy Needs – What You Can Do NOW thumbnail Industry Uncertainty And Advocacy Needs – 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. NAAOP Hosts First Ever In-Person Legislative Fly-In thumbnail NAAOP Hosts First Ever In-Person Legislative Fly-In Last week, 33 stakeholders, advocates, and leaders from around the O&P industry convened at the offices of Powers Pyles Sutter & Verville PC in Washington, D.C., as part of The National Association for the Advancement of Orthotics and Prosthetics's (NAAOP) first ever in-person legislative fly-in. Co-sponsored by OPGA, the fly-in kicked off with an in-depth discussion and strategy session surrounding several legislative priorities affecting O&P providers and patients. VGM Government Relations Unveils Grassroots Advocacy Toolkit to Empower DME Champions of Change thumbnail VGM Government Relations Unveils Grassroots Advocacy Toolkit to Empower DME Champions of Change The VGM Government Relations team is proud to announce the launch of its Grassroots Advocacy Toolkit, thoughtfully crafted to support durable medical equipment (DME) professionals, caregivers, industry partners, and patient advocates in advancing legislative initiatives that impact home medical equipment and services. Featuring Two Champions Of Change: Robert Beard of YD Home Medical & Rob Minicucci Jr. of Health System Services thumbnail Featuring Two Champions Of Change: Robert Beard of YD Home Medical & Rob Minicucci Jr. of Health System Services Today, we're proud to spotlight two outstanding durable medical equipment (DME) champions whose advocacy efforts are making a meaningful difference: Robert Beard of YD Home Medical of Alabama and Rob Minicucci Jr. of Health System Services of New York. These individuals took time out of their busy schedules to personally connect with elected officials, demonstrating how local action can spark national change. Survey: Share Your Thoughts on Proposed Accreditation Rule Changes thumbnail Survey: Share Your Thoughts on Proposed Accreditation Rule Changes CQRC, VGM, and AAHomecare are requesting your feedback on a new proposed rule that could significantly impact accreditation procedures. Under the proposal, accreditation organizations would be required to conduct site visits every year—a major shift from the current once-every-three-years schedule.