VGM Host DME State Leaders Summit, NIV comment period closes this Thursday, Tariffs, Telehealth, Great Lakes Annual Conference

Published in Government Relations on April 08, 2025

State Leaders Summit 2025: A Week Of Inspiration, Collaboration, And Growth

Last week, VGM had the privilege of hosting the State Leaders Summit 2025—a gathering that united passionate and dedicated leaders from across the country. These remarkable professionals, representing the very best of the DMEPOS industry, brought their energy, expertise, and compassion to the heart of the Midwest for an event that will be remembered for years to come.

The Summit was more than just a meeting—it was a vibrant exchange of ideas and an opportunity to expand horizons. Attendees participated in meaningful networking sessions, collaborative discussions, and innovative idea-sharing workshops. From thought-provoking panel discussions to informal conversations over coffee, every moment was brimming with opportunities to learn, grow, and inspire.

What truly stood out was the unwavering commitment these state leaders have to their members. Their deep compassion and dedication to making a tangible difference was evident in every interaction. It is this spirit of service and community that continues to drive the industry forward and set new standards of excellence.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who traveled to join us for this unforgettable week. Your contributions and efforts were the cornerstone of the Summit’s success, and we hope your journey home was safe and smooth.

For those who are not yet members of their state associations, there has never been a better time to get involved. Joining this incredible community opens doors to resources, support, and collaboration that can help us achieve even more—together. Let’s continue to build on the momentum of this week and shape a brighter future for the DMEPOS industry. Here’s to many more opportunities to connect, grow, and make a difference!

Submit Your Comments On NIPPV Coverage By Thursday

Time is of the essence— VGM, AAH, and CQRC urge all NIV suppliers to share their personal stories of the challenges that this policy will create for your business. Please submit your comments on the proposed National Coverage Determination (NCD) for noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) before the deadline on Thursday, April 10 (11:59 p.m. ET).

Gain a deeper understanding of the NCD for NIPPV by watching this insightful video from Encore and VGM: Encore Healthcare Resources: NCD for NIV

Below are key points you may wish to include in your comments. Personalizing these with your own observations and experiences will make your feedback even more impactful:

Key Concerns To Highlight

1. No Grandfathering For Current Patients. Patients already relying on RAD or HMV therapies may not have the necessary documentation outlined in the draft NCD. Discontinuing these devices—despite a physician’s assessment that they are still beneficial—could result in severe consequences, including hospitalization or even death.
2. Impact Of The 6-Month Re-evaluation Requirement. The proposed requirement for re-evaluation every six months poses significant challenges for chronically ill patients, especially those in rural areas. Many patients already face difficulties scheduling annual appointments, and additional visits may exacerbate financial and logistical burdens. Such barriers could delay or disrupt vital therapy, negatively affecting health outcomes.
3. Mandatory Repeat Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Testing. Requiring ABG draws every six months is unnecessarily invasive, painful, and impractical for this patient population. Limiting evaluation criteria to ABG results while excluding less invasive and reliable alternatives like VBG or ETCO₂ will further restrict access to care, particularly in regions with limited specialty services.
4. Therapy Utilization Threshold. The proposal to require a daily therapy usage average of five hours is inconsistent with current industry standards, which define adherence as four or more hours of use on 70% of nights over a 30-day period within the first three months. Implementing a stricter measure may disrupt care and add complexity for patients, suppliers, and manufacturers.

You don’t need to address every point—focus on the concerns that resonate most with your experiences or expertise.

How To Submit Comments

Head to the NIPPV Proposed Decision Memo webpage and look for the “Submit Public Comment” button at the top of the page. After clicking, follow the prompts to paste your feedback into the online form.

Let’s ensure our voices are heard to improve access and care for the chronically ill population relying on NIPPV. Thank you for taking the time to advocate for meaningful change!

Connect – Telehealth Permanence

A bipartisan coalition of 60 senators has united in support of making current telehealth flexibilities permanent. These flexibilities, initially introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, have proven invaluable in expanding access to healthcare. As reported by VGM, the recent Continuing Resolution extended these flexibilities through September 2025. VGM strongly endorses the Senate's initiative to solidify these changes, ensuring that telehealth remains a cornerstone of accessible healthcare for years to come. Click here to read the details of the Connect (Creating Opportunities Now for Necessary and Effective Care Technology) for Health Act.

Tariff Tracker

The latest round of tariff announcements continues to unfold, and VGM remains committed to keeping stakeholders informed through its comprehensive Tariff Tracker. This resource is regularly updated with the latest insights and data, including today's additions: the “Reciprocal Tariffs Fact Sheet” and the “De Minimis Fact Sheet.” As the full impact of these tariffs becomes clearer, VGM will continue to provide timely updates to help businesses navigate the evolving trade landscape.

Click here for the Tariff Tracker on VGM’s website.

Changing Of The Guard For Great Lakes Following A Successful Annual Conference

The Great Lakes Association celebrated a highly successful annual conference last week, showcasing camaraderie, innovation, and vision. A significant highlight of the event was the announcement of a "changing of the guard" within the board's leadership.

Chuck Williams, of Williams Bros Health Care Pharmacy and respected former President of Great Lakes, marked the occasion by announcing his retirement, leaving a legacy of dedication and impactful contributions.

Tom Doubek, President of Great Lakes and a distinguished figure from Doubek Medical Supply, officially passed the presidential torch to Ferass Safadi of Life DME. This transition represents an exciting new chapter for the association as it continues to uphold its mission of fostering excellence within the industry.

Congratulations to all involved in the event, and best wishes to the incoming leadership as they steer Great Lakes into a promising future!

2025 HME Financial Benchmarking Survey – RELEASED!

HME News, in partnership with VGM & Associates, invites all HME provider businesses to participate for their annual HME Benchmarking Survey. This survey focuses on six key areas: Company Profile, Product Offerings, Financials, Payers, Employee Compensation, and Operations & Strategy. Your participation is crucial for an accurate reflection of the HME industry.

WHY PARTICIPATE?

• Shape Industry Metrics. Make sure your business is represented in the results.
• 100% Confidential. All shared data is kept confidential.
• Free Compiled Results. Receive the survey results for free by submitting your email address. This is a great way to see how your business measures against the industry.

Click here to start the survey. Surveys must be completed by June 15, 2025.

HME News Business Summit Registration is OPEN!

THE event for HME leaders and home of the HME Financial Benchmarking LIVE analysis, this year’s HME News Business Summit will take place in Cleveland, Ohio, on Oct. 20-22, 2025.