Spotlighting Champions of Change: Meetings with Rep. Blake Moore and Sen. Patty Murray's Staff

Published in Government Relations on October 28, 2024

We are proud to recognize two HME suppliers and VGM members who have recently taken the initiative to engage with their legislators and staff members. 

Moore

Rep. Blake Moore (center) with Alpine Medical in Ogden, UT

Alpine Home Medical hosted Rep. Blake Moore (R-UT) at their Ogden, UT location last week. CEO Jay Broadbent reported that Rep. Moore was highly informed and supportive of DMEPOS legislation. As a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, Rep. Moore is already a co-sponsor of H.R. 5555. 

Olympic

Sen. Patty Murray's staff (center) with Olympic Pharmacy in Gig Harbor, WA

Olympic Pharmacy in Gig Harbor, WA, welcomed Juan Beltran-Gonzalez, a staff member of Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA), for a facility tour and discussion of DMEPOS legislation, S. 1294. Sen. Murray plays a crucial role in healthcare legislation, serving on both the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee and the Senate Appropriations Committee. 

These events exemplify how HME suppliers can effectively educate their legislators on DMEPOS issues and become champions of change. This grassroots advocacy is essential for the passage of DMEPOS legislation, and we encourage all HME suppliers to engage with their legislators to garner the necessary support. 

How to Gain Legislative Support for DMEPOS Legislation 

Engaging with your legislators is crucial for gaining support for DMEPOS legislation. Here are some effective strategies: 

Invite them to your office: Offer a tour and arrange a meeting to discuss the importance of DMEPOS legislation. 

Request an in-person meeting: Schedule a visit to their office to present your case directly. 

Attend public events: Approach them at state or town fairs and discuss the issues face-to-face. 

Reach out to their staff: Contact their staff members to request their support. 

The period after elections but before the new administration takes over, known as the “lame duck” period, is a unique opportunity. Outgoing politicians can make decisions with little fear of consequence, making it an ideal time to seek additional support for DMEPOS legislation. We are optimistic that an end-of-the-year package will include the DMEPOS bill. 

For assistance in connecting with your legislator, please contact Emily Harken at Emily.Harken@vgm.com. 


TAGS

  1. hme
  2. vgm government

From Our Experts

You Got The Contract! …Now What?! Part 2: Contract Maintenance thumbnail You Got The Contract! …Now What?! Part 2: Contract Maintenance 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 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.