Tom Powers Visit Washington D.C.

Published in Government Relations on January 25, 2023

With the start of the 118th Congress and all members of Congress returning to D.C., VGM Government Relations' Tom Powers headed to Capitol Hill. While he was there, he was able to attend multiple productive meetings with key players in the DMEPOS industry. This trip was important for Powers because it allowed him to take the time to re-introduce VGM and our industry to our partners in Congress and plant the seed for upcoming bills that will be introduced, including the following:  

  • The Patient Equity Act (Custom Breast Prosthesis) 
  • The Medicare Orthotics & Prosthetics Patient-Centered Care Act 
  • The DMEPOS Relief Act 

Congressional members that he met with included Reps. Miller-Meeks, Feenstra, Williams, Slotkin, as well as Sens. Schumer, Duckworth, and Durbin. Attending these events is an important part of building relationships with these members of Congress. Over his many years with VGM, Tom has been able to use these relationships to help pass industry legislation and rules, and we appreciate his efforts.  

From Our Experts

The PHE Is Over: What's Next? thumbnail The PHE Is Over: What's Next? In today's episode of Industry Matters, Mandi Joyner, Senior Director of Marketing at VGM & Associates, talks with three of VGM's payer, billing, and reimbursement experts Ronda Buhrmester, Dan Fedor, and Craig Douglas about the end of the Public Health Emergency (PHE) and what that means for members. Adam Miller and Tom Powers Attend Policy Forum in Washington D.C. thumbnail Adam Miller and Tom Powers Attend Policy Forum in Washington D.C. On Wednesday, May 10, the AOPA Policy Forum held in Washington D.C. brought together over 100 stakeholders, manufacturers, and practitioners in the field of orthotics and prosthetics (O&P). John Gallagher and Greg Packer Attend Successful Fly-In on Capitol Hill thumbnail John Gallagher and Greg Packer Attend Successful Fly-In on Capitol Hill On May 10, John Gallagher, VP of VGM Government Relations, and Greg Packer, President of U.S. Rehab, participated in the AAHomecare Fly-In event in Washington D.C. The purpose of their attendance was to discuss key industry issues with members of Congress and their staff. FAHCS Secures Major Victory for HME Industry in Florida thumbnail FAHCS Secures Major Victory for HME Industry in Florida FAHCS secures a significant victory for the HME industry in Florida with a 7.5% rate increase to Medicaid Fee Schedule. Washington Governor Signs SB 5218 to Remove Sales Tax From CRT Equipment thumbnail Washington Governor Signs SB 5218 to Remove Sales Tax From CRT Equipment On May 4 in Olympia, Washington, Governor Jay Inslee signed SB 5218 into effect. This bill exempts complex rehab technology (CRT) equipment from sales tax, making it more accessible and affordable for those in need of it. CMS Proposes New Rules to Strengthen Transparency and Access to Quality Care in Medicaid and CHIP Programs thumbnail CMS Proposes New Rules to Strengthen Transparency and Access to Quality Care in Medicaid and CHIP Programs CMS has released a two new proposed rules that look to strengthen transparency as well as access to quality care within the Medicaid and CHIP programs. One of the proposed rules is titled Ensuring Access to Medicaid Services and the other is Managed Care Access, Finance, and Quality. S. 1294, A Bill to Provide a 75/25 Blended Rate for Non-Rural, Non-CBA Supplier Has Been Introduced thumbnail S. 1294, A Bill to Provide a 75/25 Blended Rate for Non-Rural, Non-CBA Supplier Has Been Introduced S. 1294, a bill to provide a 75/25 blended rate for non-rural, non-CBA suppliers has been introduced. Now we ask that everyone reach out to their senators asking for their support of this crucial bill. Read more about the bill and see an easy way to reach out to your senators. Washington State Passes Bill Exempting Sales Tax on Complex Rehab Technology: A Testimony to the Power of Advocacy and Collaboration thumbnail Washington State Passes Bill Exempting Sales Tax on Complex Rehab Technology: A Testimony to the Power of Advocacy and Collaboration Congratulations to Don Whitney of Inland Medical and the PAMES state association, along with the entire state of Washington, on the recent passing of SB 5218.