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

Government Relations: Speak With One Voice thumbnail Government Relations: Speak With One Voice The DMEPOS industry must show a unified front, speak with a unified voice, and together be champions of change. Clarification on Standard Written Orders thumbnail Clarification on Standard Written Orders Recently the DME MACs released a Dear Physician Letter that clarified language on a standard written order (SWO) specifically related to CPAP masks. While the article was great news being welcomed by the industry, it also initiated additional conversation for other PAP supplies such as interfaces and tubing. Ronda Vlog: Further Updates on Refill Requirements and Dear Physician Letter thumbnail Ronda Vlog: Further Updates on Refill Requirements and Dear Physician Letter Be sure to watch this update from Ronda Buhrmester, Sr. Director of Payer Relations and Reimbursement, where she gives updates on the change to the refill requirement, effective Jan. 1, 2024 and the Dear Physician letter released in February. Change Health Resources thumbnail Change Health Resources VGM recognizes that many of our members in the DMEPOS provider community have been negatively impacted by the cyberattack on Change Healthcare that occurred on February 21, 2024. We continue to monitor the situation and promote the creation of resources to help providers navigate through this with as little negative impact to their business as possible. Insights from the 2024 State Leaders Summit thumbnail Insights from the 2024 State Leaders Summit The VGM State Leaders Summit concluded in early February at the VGM headquarters in Waterloo, IA. State leaders from home medical equipment (HME) state associations traveled to Waterloo to collaborate on their priorities for 2024 and find ways to enhance their associations. Vlog: Ike Isaacson Give an Update on the 75/25 Blended Rate thumbnail Vlog: Ike Isaacson Give an Update on the 75/25 Blended Rate Watch this video update from VGM's Ike Isaacson on the importance of the 75/25 blended rate. Welcome to 2024. Let's Talk Root Causes! thumbnail Welcome to 2024. Let's Talk Root Causes! Kim Cuce explains how to identify the root causes of issues that DMEPOS providers often face. Urgent Advocacy Needed: Extend 75/25 Blended Rate Relief thumbnail Urgent Advocacy Needed: Extend 75/25 Blended Rate Relief As government funding negotiations continue, our 75/25 blended-rate provision is at stake. Let's unite our voices and secure the relief our HME community needs.