VGM Government Relations Launches New Website 

Published in Government Relations on March 11, 2022

VGM Government Relations has revamped their website vgmgov.com! This new site is designed to offer a better experience, making it easier for users to find the government and regulatory updates and resources in one spot on vgm.com.   

Included in this new website is the new Government tab in the members-only portal, where all member-exclusive content from VGM Government Relations is housed. This portal, available to VGM members, features discussion boards to collaborate and learn from your peers; events and webinars to keep you educated on important topics; forms and documents including third party payer calculators, legislative toolkits, and policies; and exclusive content ranging from podcasts to playbooks packed full of the latest industry news.  

“We want to ensure that our members have a seamless experience no matter how they engage with VGM,” said Clint Geffert, president of VGM & Associates. “Whether it be legislative and regulatory or just general industry information, we look forward to continuing to provide the valuable resources our members are looking for in one spot.”  

Visit the new site at vgmgov.com or go to vgm.com and navigate to it under “Services” and clicking “Government Relations.” Members can log in and find the Government resources in the members-only portal at vgm.com/portal.   

From Our Experts

Beyond the Shutdown and The Proposed Rule: Key Legislative Updates for the HME Industry thumbnail Beyond the Shutdown and The Proposed Rule: Key Legislative Updates for the HME Industry While the government shutdown and uncertainty surrounding CMS's Proposed Rule have dominated headlines, several important bills impacting HME providers continue to advance. Here's a quick look at three focused legislative priorities: Advocacy in Action: Texas DME Providers Stand Up For Patient Care thumbnail Advocacy in Action: Texas DME Providers Stand Up For Patient Care Texas DME providers are speaking out against proposed Medicaid reimbursement rate cuts that threaten access to essential medical equipment for vulnerable patients. At a recent public hearing, voices from across the state shared powerful stories about the real-world impact of these cuts—some as high as 85%. The Shutdown Has Ended—Now It's Time To Take Action thumbnail The Shutdown Has Ended—Now It's Time To Take Action The recent government shutdown created uncertainty across the healthcare landscape, and the DMEPOS community was no exception. In the weeks ahead, critical decisions will shape the future of our industry. By getting involved early—through advocacy, education, and collaboration—you can help ensure these policies support patients and providers rather than hinder them. Notably, the Continuing Resolution (CR) includes an extension of Medicare telehealth flexibilities through January 2026... New Issue Brief: Why Medicare's Competitive Bidding Program Needs Urgent Reform thumbnail New Issue Brief: Why Medicare's Competitive Bidding Program Needs Urgent Reform The Medicare competitive bidding program for durable medical equipment (DME) was designed to reduce costs—but it's failing patients and providers. A new issue brief from Pacific Research Institute and economist Wayne Winegarden highlights what changes are urgently needed. Champions of Change: DME Advocates Driving Real Change thumbnail Champions of Change: DME Advocates Driving Real Change Real change starts with real people. In this edition of Champions of Change, we're spotlighting two DME advocates who aren't just talking about problems—they're taking action. David Griffin and Gary Rench are showing us what it means to stand up for patients, providers, and the future of our industry. 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...