VGM & ASSOCIATESHealthcare MSO
Full Menu Search

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

Get Connected

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

Sign Up for Email

From Our Experts

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. Senate Backs DME Relief Act with Bipartisan Support thumbnail Senate Backs DME Relief Act with Bipartisan Support In a significant development for the durable medical equipment (DME) industry and Medicare beneficiaries, the U.S. Senate has introduced S.2951, the companion legislation to H.R. 2005, known as the DMEPOS Relief Act of 2025. The Senate bill is being led by Senator James Lankford (R-OK) and has gained bipartisan support with Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) joining as a co-sponsor. Gov't Shutdown: What It Means for Providers thumbnail Gov't Shutdown: What It Means for Providers As expected, Democrats and Republican members of the Senate was unable to agree on terms in passing a continuing resolution (CR) ahead of the October 1st deadline, resulting in a government shutdown. But how did we get here? Oppose DMEPOS Bidding Expansion – Take Action Now thumbnail Oppose DMEPOS Bidding Expansion – Take Action Now A critical Congressional Sign-On Letter is now circulating in the House of Representatives, led by Reps. Neal Dunn (R-FL) and Greg Murphy (R-NC). This bipartisan letter calls on CMS to stop the proposed expansion of the durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding Program to include ostomy and urological supplies. Gov't Shutdown & Telehealth Flexibility Expiration thumbnail Gov't Shutdown & Telehealth Flexibility Expiration September 30 represents an important date for HME providers for two reasons: 1) The potential of a government shutdown and how that affects HHS and CMS, and 2) the expiration of Telehealth Flexibilities unless a Continuing Resolution (CR) is agreed upon in time.

Give your business an advantage over the competition.

Become a Member