VGM Government has a Productive Week in Washington D.C.

Published in Government Relations on March 17, 2022

This week Tom Powers of VGM’s Government Relations team visited our nation’s capital. Discussions included HME legislation (HR6641, extension to the CARES Act), O&P Medicare Patient Centered Act, Custom Breast Prosthesis legislation as well as some forthcoming legislation on a tax credit and additional opportunities for seniors to remodel their home to age in place.

He was slotted to attend a fundraising event for Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL). Unfortunately, the event was canceled at the last minute, but Tom was still able to have productive discussions with Sen. Duckworth’s Chief of Staff. The conversation confirmed that Duckworth and her staff are willing to be of assistance with DMEPOS issues.

Tom was also able to meet with the offices of Sen. Grassley (R-IA), Sen. Ernst (R-IA), Reps. Hinson (R-IA), Miller Meeks (R-IA), Axne (D-IA), Feenstra (R-IA), Crist (D-FL), Chu (D-CA), as well as staff from the White House and the Department of Transportation.

Tom’s meeting with the DOT was in regard to airlines damaging wheelchairs and injuring passengers when flying. U.S. Rehab and the DMERT group have been working to combat these issues with the DOT by potentially offering training to above and below wing airline workers. More information on that will be forthcoming.

As always, VGM Government Relations and Regulatory team will keep you updated as news arises.

From Our Experts

[Vlog] Reconsideration Request for RAD and HVM Policy thumbnail [Vlog] Reconsideration Request for RAD and HVM Policy Listen in as Ronda Buhrmester, Sr. Director of Payer Relations and Reimbursement, shares that CMS has released a reconsideration request for the RAD and HVM policy. August of Action Wraps Up with Key Meetings thumbnail August of Action Wraps Up with Key Meetings Earlier this week, CAMPS members met with Rep. Mike Thompson at his Napa office to discuss DMEPOS legislation, H.R.5555. Rep. Thompson, a member of the influential House Ways and Means Committee, engaged in a productive meeting with Paul Ondrusek (Regional Account Manager at VGM and President of CAMPS), Todd Dodds (Owens Medical), and Tony Lewis (New West Medical). VGM & Associates Announces Appointment of Adam Miller as Vice President of Government Relations thumbnail VGM & Associates Announces Appointment of Adam Miller as Vice President of Government Relations VGM & Associates is pleased to announce the appointment of Adam Miller as the new Vice President of Government Relations. August of Action Continues: Key Meetings with Sen. John Thune, Chairman Jason Smith, and Rep. Randy Feenstra thumbnail August of Action Continues: Key Meetings with Sen. John Thune, Chairman Jason Smith, and Rep. Randy Feenstra As the August recess draws to a close, there are still ample opportunities to engage with your legislators before the upcoming election. Throughout October and leading up to the election, legislators will be back in their home states, providing a perfect window to connect with them before the end of the year. Ike Isaacson and Brian Leitten Podcast: The Case for DME Investment Continues to Strengthen thumbnail Ike Isaacson and Brian Leitten Podcast: The Case for DME Investment Continues to Strengthen Listen to Ike Isaacson, SVP of VGM Government Relations, and Brian Leitten, Leitten Consulting, discuss Brian's latest findings related to DME investment and their outlook on competitive bidding. Update: FTC Ban of Noncompetes Blocked thumbnail Update: FTC Ban of Noncompetes Blocked A new ruling this week means that the ban on noncompete agreements cannot and will not go into effect in September. The FTC has not yet said whether they will appeal the decision, but Victoria Graham, a spokesperson for the FTC, said they are considering that option. The FTC could also choose to address noncompete agreements in a different manner, perhaps through enforcement actions. Updates To Lymphedema Benefit thumbnail Updates To Lymphedema Benefit A recent article by Medtrade Monday outlined the latest news regarding the lymphedema benefit. CarePro Medical Hosts DME Champion Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks thumbnail CarePro Medical Hosts DME Champion Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks On Monday, August 5, CarePro Home Medical in Coralville, Iowa hosted an event for Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks. The group discussed the need for H.R.5555 passage at the end of 2024.