VGM Senior Leaders Engage in Advocacy at AAHomecare Legislative Conference

Published in Government Relations on May 15, 2025

This week, VGM leaders attended the AAHomecare Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C., a premier event dedicated to advancing healthcare policy and advocacy. AAHomecare provided attendees with valuable insights, equipping them with key discussion points and strategies for effective meetings with legislators. 

During the conference, VGM leaders met with all four Iowa Representatives' offices, including Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, the lead Republican on H.R. 2005, DMEPOS Relief Act. These discussions focused on strategizing ways to garner support for H.R. 2005 and navigate the path to successful passage. 

The VGM team also engaged with Iowa’s Senate delegation, meeting with the offices of Sen. Chuck Grassley and Sen. Joni Ernst, to further discuss legislative priorities and industry challenges. 

(Jim Nygren, President of VGM Insurance; Rep. Mariannette Miller- Meeks; Blake Thelander, Health Policy Director for Rep. Miller-Meeks; Lindy Tentinger, President of VGM & Associates; Ike Isaacson, SVP of VGM Government Relations; Adam Miller, VP of VGM Government Relations; and Jeremy Stolz, CEO of VGM.)

(Jim Nygren, President of VGM Insurance; Rep. Mariannette Miller- Meeks; Blake Thelander, Health Policy Director for Rep. Miller-Meeks; Lindy Tentinger, President of VGM & Associates; Ike Isaacson, SVP of VGM Government Relations; Adam Miller, VP of VGM Government Relations; and Jeremy Stolz, CEO of VGM.) 

The group also met with Sen. James Lankford (R-OK). Sen. Lankford spoke to the group at a breakfast event Tuesday morning. He committed to being a supporter of the forthcoming Senate companion bill to H.R. 2005 

(Jeremy Stolz, Lindy Tentinger, Adam Miller, Sen. Lankford (R-OK), Ike Isaacson, and Jim Nygren)

(Jeremy Stolz, Lindy Tentinger, Adam Miller, Sen. Lankford (R-OK), Ike Isaacson, and Jim Nygren) 

These advocacy efforts highlight VGM’s commitment to shaping healthcare policy and ensuring the needs of the industry are represented at the highest levels. 

“VGM is proud to stand alongside our partners, advocating for strong home healthcare for all,” said Ike Isaacson. “Promoting the need for equitable reimbursement, fair regulation, and focusing on quality care, our industry is the tip of the spear for healthcare at home. It was an incredible experience seeing so many of our membership walking the halls of Congress, advocating for the industry and for those they serve. Thanks to all for being Champions of Change!” 

From Our Experts

Senate Backs DME Relief Act with Bipartisan Support thumbnail Senate Backs DME Relief Act with Bipartisan Support In a significant development for the durable medical equipment (DME) industry and Medicare beneficiaries, the U.S. Senate has introduced S.2951, the companion legislation to H.R. 2005, known as the DMEPOS Relief Act of 2025. The Senate bill is being led by Senator James Lankford (R-OK) and has gained bipartisan support with Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) joining as a co-sponsor. Gov't Shutdown: What It Means for Providers thumbnail Gov't Shutdown: What It Means for Providers As expected, Democrats and Republican members of the Senate was unable to agree on terms in passing a continuing resolution (CR) ahead of the October 1st deadline, resulting in a government shutdown. But how did we get here? Oppose DMEPOS Bidding Expansion – Take Action Now thumbnail Oppose DMEPOS Bidding Expansion – Take Action Now A critical Congressional Sign-On Letter is now circulating in the House of Representatives, led by Reps. Neal Dunn (R-FL) and Greg Murphy (R-NC). This bipartisan letter calls on CMS to stop the proposed expansion of the durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding Program to include ostomy and urological supplies. Gov't Shutdown & Telehealth Flexibility Expiration thumbnail Gov't Shutdown & Telehealth Flexibility Expiration September 30 represents an important date for HME providers for two reasons: 1) The potential of a government shutdown and how that affects HHS and CMS, and 2) the expiration of Telehealth Flexibilities unless a Continuing Resolution (CR) is agreed upon in time. Josh Turek Visits VGM to Champion Accessibility & Advocacy thumbnail Josh Turek Visits VGM to Champion Accessibility & Advocacy Waterloo, IA — On Monday, VGM Group hosted the first of our “Meet The Candidate” forums by welcoming Iowa State Representative Josh Turek, a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate seat soon to be vacated by Senator Joni Ernst. VGM & NCART Rally in D.C. to Defend CRT & HME Access thumbnail VGM & NCART Rally in D.C. to Defend CRT & HME Access Washington, D.C. – September 2025 — A powerful few days of advocacy wrapped up in the nation's capital as representatives from VGM Group, NCART, AAHomecare, and other key stakeholders in the Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) and Home Medical Equipment (HME) industries met with lawmakers to address urgent policy concerns. Igniting Champions Of Change During August Recess thumbnail Igniting Champions Of Change During August Recess This August recess, DME suppliers across the country seized the opportunity to engage with lawmakers and advocate for critical DMEPOS legislation. Their efforts are helping to build momentum and expand the network of congressional supporters. You Got The Contract! ...Now What?! Part 3: Contract Implementation thumbnail You Got The Contract! ...Now What?! Part 3: Contract Implementation Contract Implementation: Turning Agreements Into Revenue  Securing a contract is worth celebrating—but what happens next is just as critical. Do you have a structured process for implementation, or does the contract sit in your inbox waiting for an issue to arise? A robust implementation workflow is essential to ensure accurate and timely reimbursement and avoid preventable denials.