VGM & ASSOCIATESHealthcare MSO
Full Menu Search

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!” 

Get Connected

Stay up-to-date on the latest resources and news provided by VGM & Associates.

Sign Up for Email

From Our Experts

The Big Sky Association of Medical Equipment Suppliers Welcomes UTAH! thumbnail The Big Sky Association of Medical Equipment Suppliers Welcomes UTAH! The Big Sky Association of Medical Equipment Suppliers is pleased to announce that Utah has officially been accepted into the association as our newest participating state. Big Sky now proudly welcomes all Utah DME/HME, Respiratory, CRT, and Medical Supply companies into our regional association. Utah will have a designated state representative/director—appointed in the same manner as Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming—to ensure strong representation and a clear voice within the Association. 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.

Give your business an advantage over the competition.

Become a Member