State Association Spotlight: TexMEP

Published in Government Relations on July 12, 2021

TexMep

Our HME State Associations do so much to advocate and improve the HME industry. We are excited to feature one of our dedicated state associations in this spotlight! 

TexMep Members

We are now through the middle of the summer, and we are proud to feature TexMEP as a spotlight HME state association. TexMEP has been very active these past few months. We’re hoping this article will provide you with some inspiration leading into the August recess efforts. 

The Texas Freeze

In February of 2021, Texas endured unseasonably freezing temperatures which caused power outages all throughout the state. Texas home medical equipment providers spent days and nights assisting their patients with their needs during this power outage. The TexMEP leadership became a voice amongst the medical professionals in Texas.

Following the emergency proclamation, TexMEP President, Victoria Peterson, was invited to attend and present at the Disaster Preparedness DME Power Committee Meeting chaired by Ron Lucey, the Executive Director of the Texas Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities. Victoria provided a voice for the HME industry in Texas, speaking on the industry’s place in the healthcare continuum, and what HME providers do to help patients during natural disasters. Along with Victoria in attendance were Lauryn Estrella, TexMEP Executive Director, and Mark Gowen of Angel Medical/TexMEP Treasurer.

This meeting has led to FEMA inviting TexMEP to participate on the Texas Power-Dependent Critical Durable Medical Equipment Workgroup. Victoria has also been an outspoken leader on the state association leaders calls with CMS, FEMA, and ASPR in an effort to create resources and develop relationships with groups who can assist in times of need.

Texas Advocacy

Federal Efforts: In the months heading into summer, the HME industry has been looking for support for legislation that would increase reimbursement rates beyond the public health emergency. TexMEP folks met with many of their congressional leaders serving on the House Ways and Means Committee:

  • Congressional meetings with John Gallagher and Ted Metcalf, Laurie Bachorek, and Jennifer Wilson to represent TexMEP visited Reps. Fallon (R-TX-4), Pfluger (R-TX-11), Van Duyne (R-TX-24), and Jackson (R-TX-13)
  • Virtual meetings with the offices of Rep. Veasey (D-TX-33) and Rep. Lizzie Fletcher (D-TX-7)

TexMEP and VGM

(Left image: Ted Metcalf of VGM, staff from Rep. Fallon’s office, Jennifer Wilson with OneSource, and John Gallagher of VGM)

Right image: Ted Metcalf of VGM, Laurie Bachorek with Metrocare, staff from Rep. Van Duyne’s office, John Gallagher of VGM)

State Efforts: 

  • The legislative work included working with Tan Parker and other legislative champions to introduce HB's HB3677, HB3678, and HB3679. Adrienne Trigg, TexMEP Legislative Chair, worked tirelessly to advocate and support Texas providers on the following house bills and issues:
    • HB3677 – Amendment to existing statute that protects continuity of care and patient choice for all Texas Medicaid recipients. This bill includes DME and CRT providers in the definition of “specialty provider.” It also ensures protection is not limited to recipients with primary insurance, newly enrolled recipients, and protects patient choice regardless of their providers network status. This legislation also ensures out of network providers must be paid at the required out of network rate described in T.A.C. Section 353.4 (e) (2) and (e) (3).
    • HB3678 – Updates the insurance code to support Medicaid continuity of care and patient choice language and ensures adequate reimbursement.
    • HB3679 – Requires MCOs to reimburse at no less than 95% of Texas Medicaid fee schedule.

Ultimately, none of these passed in any form, but the group continues to create positive relationships with state legislators.

Adrienne Trigg, TexMEP

(Adrienne Trigg, TexMEP Legislative Chair leading the Ice Cream Social at the Texas Capitol on April 26)

On April 26, 2021, TexMEP hosted an Ice-Cream Meet-and-Greet event at the Texas State Capitol Building. This event gave Texas providers the opportunity to meet with almost 200 legislators and staff to discuss the difficulties HME providers face and how these proposed legislative bills could help ease some of those hardships. In attendance were Adrienne Trigg, TexMEP Legislative Committee Chair, along with Mark Gowen, TexMEP Treasurer, Laurie Bachorek, and other Texas providers who joined in support and discussions.

Though ultimately the sought-after specific language did not pass for HME/DME/CRT this session, with the lowest number of bills passing in the past 20 years, we continue working on creating positive relationships with state legislators and work in Texas’ special sessions to appropriate federal relief money.

The TexMEP state association has only just begun! 

TexMEP was formed only a few years ago. They are truly going above and beyond for their members. If you are not a member of TexMEP or any state association, we strongly suggest you join. Associations provide a collective voice for the industry and include legislative representation, networking, education, and publications.


TAGS

  1. state association
  2. vgm government

From Our Experts

H.R. 5555 Gets Amended and Passes Energy and Commerce Committee thumbnail H.R. 5555 Gets Amended and Passes Energy and Commerce Committee On Wednesday, Dec. 6, The House Energy and Commerce Committee approved an amended version of H.R. 5555. The amended version of this bill extends the 75/25 blended rate in non-rural, non-CBAs through 2024 but does not include the 90/10 blended rate adjustment for suppliers in former CBAs. A Note from the SVP, Mike A Note from the SVP, Mike "Ike" Isaacson: November 2023 I hope this newsletter finds you healthy, happy, and focused on finishing out a great year! As many of you may have read, I have begun to focus more on our advocacy efforts and ensuring that VGM is here to support you in the legislative and regulatory aspects of your business. I know firsthand that some of you are dialed into the advocacy world, while others may not view these activities as an important part of your business. In our current government climate, I implore you to re-evaluate your a H.R. 5555 Gets Approved By Health Subcommittee thumbnail H.R. 5555 Gets Approved By Health Subcommittee On Wednesday, Nov. 15, the Health Subcommittee convened the health markup. The DMEPOS Relief Act of 2023 (H.R. 5555) was included in the discussion and approved. H.R. 5555 will now move on to the Energy and Commerce committee for consideration in the next few weeks. Important HME Legislation Being Discussed By Health Subcommittee on Wednesday thumbnail Important HME Legislation Being Discussed By Health Subcommittee on Wednesday On Wednesday, Nov. 15, the Health Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee is set to meet and discuss important legislation. Included in this session will be H.R. 5555, DMEPOS Relief Act of 2023. This bill, led by Rep. Miller-Meeks (IA) and Rep. Tonko (NY) provides much-needed reimbursement relief. Read the full public memo here. Ronda Vlog: CGM News - Update On the 90 Days Billable on January 1, 2024 thumbnail Ronda Vlog: CGM News - Update On the 90 Days Billable on January 1, 2024 Be sure to listen to this important video update from Ronda Buhrmester on the upcoming change on how to bill a 90-day supply for CGMs. VGM's Ike Isaacson Gets 'Revved Up' thumbnail VGM's Ike Isaacson Gets 'Revved Up' WATERLOO, Iowa – A singular focus and a singular voice: That's what it takes to get the HME industry's message across to both lawmakers and regulators, says Mike “Ike” Isaacson, who was recently named senior vice president of government relations at VGM & Associates. A Summary of the Final Rule on the Lymphedema Treatment Act Recently Released by CMS thumbnail A Summary of the Final Rule on the Lymphedema Treatment Act Recently Released by CMS Craig Douglas, VP of Payer Relations, VGM and Associates, has reviewed the document and summarized the important information. Champions of Change Pushing for 55 in 55 Make Moves in Illinois thumbnail Champions of Change Pushing for 55 in 55 Make Moves in Illinois Champions of Change are making a strong start in the push for 55 in 55 (The goal of 55 in 55 is to schedule 55 visits with legislators and/or their staff in 55 days). Yesterday, a room of nearly 20 people gathered at VGM member, Prism Health Care Services in Schaumburg, IL to discuss S. 1294, current DME rates impacted by supply chain, delivery costs, employee costs, inflation, and so much more.