VGM Government Relations

VGM Government Relations is a major participant in fulfilling the advocacy goals for VGM and its members, and is vital for the future of independent home medical equipment, rehab and O&P providers. The mission of the Government Relations department is to develop and maintain positive relationship with policy makers, community leaders, DME providers, and industry trade associations, and to work wit

h them to promote the DME industry. To accomplish its mission, the Government Relations department works to identify laws, regulations or issues that will directly impact the DME industry; develops and maintains relationships with elected officials in order to develop trust and enhance communications; and develops and maintains relationships with its members and industry trade associations to communicate important information relating to the industry. In 2002, VGM created the position of Vice President – Government Relations and hired John Gallagher to fill this important position. As a veteran of the medical products industry and with experience lobbying for independent businesses in Washington, Gallagher was the perfect fit. Since his hiring, Gallagher has amassed thousands of frequent flier miles traveling back and forth to Washington D.C. He has met with government officials including the United States President, the Senate Finance Committee Chairman, the House Majority and Minority leaders, officials at the Congressional Budget Office and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and many more. His discussions with the government officials always make the case for preserving the ability of the independent dealer to survive and thrive in this marketplace, and ensuring access to quality care and equipment to those who require DME equipment. Gallagher is also a frequent speaker at industry trade association meetings across the country where he presents on the current status of the legislative environment, regulatory issues, and the importance of grassroots. He is also a board member of the Healthcare Quality Association for Accreditation (HQAA) and the Fraud Eradication Advisory Team (FEAT).

22/07/2024

To best communicate with our members in the most effective way possible, we are moving from Facebook to LinkedIn! 🎉Stay up to date with all things and the industry by following us on LinkedIn!
Follow us here ➡️ https://www.linkedin.com/company/vgm-gov-relations/

11/03/2024

Have you reached out to your legislator about the DME Reimbursement Relief, 75/25, being included in the upcoming healthcare package? Now is the time to act! ⏰
The final vote on this can happen any day until March 22. We need your voice to secure fair reimbursement rates for healthcare providers.
We’ve made it easy for you! Visit our Action Center and send a prewritten letter to your legislator: https://loom.ly/-YHiLyA

04/03/2024

🚨NOW IS THE TIME TO TAKE ACTION! 🚨
Unfortunately, the DME Relief, 75/25, was not included in the most recent healthcare package. There is one more package being prepared and can be voted on up until March 22.
We NEED every leader within our industry to personally contact their Senators and Representatives about S. 1294 and H.R. 5555.
❗Reach out to your legislator today! We did the work for you! Visit our action center to send a pre-written letter: https://loom.ly/-YHiLyA

01/03/2024

What are the root causes of common challenges faced by providers?

Find out in this article originally featured in our latest ! ➡️ https://loom.ly/8NPKTec

28/02/2024

🙋‍♂️Do you have questions about the recent changes to Medicare provider requirements that went into effect in January?

Join us for a , where representatives from the provider enrollment advisory council will cover:

1. Expanded Authority
2. Risk Mitigation Strategies
3. Protection

💻Learn more and register here ➡ https://loom.ly/H1uKpg8

23/02/2024

📣 We NEED your help!! 📣 As Senate and House leaders are continuing their efforts to secure funding beyond March 2024, the importance of the 75/25 blended-rate provision is becoming increasingly apparent. Under the current Continuing Resolution, the DMEPOS rates dropped 📉on average 30% Jan. 1, 2024. There is a lot of work being done actively to get it included in an upcoming spending package, but we need your help!

❗Reach out to your legislator today! We did the work for you! Visit our action center to send a pre-written letter: https://loom.ly/yBbvlRI

22/02/2024

Thank you to Beth Bowen and the entire team at ACMESA for organizing an outstanding conference! Your dedication to advancing the HME industry is truly commendable. The VGM Government Relations team is proud to stand alongside our industry partners working together as Champions of Change for the industry.

15/02/2024

Read this article, featured in HME News, where Ike Isaacson, SVP of Government and Regulatory Relations, talks about breaking into the advocacy landscape: https://loom.ly/t08fH8E

16/01/2024

Dive into the dynamic landscape of the industry with our inaugural playbook for 2024!

Discover trends, innovations, and strategic insights that will shape the way we do business. Download your copy today and be part of the transformation ➡️ https://loom.ly/hebCh9Q

01/01/2024

🎉 Happy New Year from ! Thank you for continuing to be .

Cheers to a prosperous and successful 2024 for the industry!

21/12/2023

Listen as Ronda Buhrmester, Sr. Director of Payer Relations and Reimbursement, gives important updates on refill documentation, effective on Jan. 1, 2024.

27/11/2023

Mike "Ike" Isaacson, SVP, Government and Regulatory Relations, was recently interviewed by HME News about his new role and what he hopes to accomplish with industry legislation. Be sure to read what he said: https://loom.ly/fHRd9H4

22/11/2023

With tomorrow and the holidays soon after, we hope you have a wonderful holiday season with family, friends, and loved ones!

Our offices will be closed Nov. 23-24, the afternoon of Dec. 22, and all day Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. When we return for 2024, we hope to show you how you are with !

16/11/2023

On Wednesday, Nov. 15, the Health Subcommittee convened the health markup. The DMEPOS Relief Act of 2023 (H.R. 5555) was included in the discussion and approved! Read more: https://loom.ly/1KccMoI

14/11/2023

Be sure to listen to this important video update from Ronda Buhrmester on the upcoming change on the upcoming change for how to bill a 90-day supply for .
https://loom.ly/nt_a_PI

11/11/2023

On this important day, we express our deepest gratitude to the brave individuals who have served our country. Your dedication, sacrifice, and courage inspire us all.

Let's take a moment to remember and thank our veterans for their service!

20/10/2023

Listen as Ronda Buhrmester, Sr. Director of Payer Relations and Reimbursement, provides an important update!
https://loom.ly/o0aZQjw

16/10/2023

With 2023 quickly coming to an end, this year's congressional session is also reaching its end. VGM Government Relations is asking you to make one final push to get H.R. 5555 and S. 1294 passed. Find out how you can help in our final efforts: https://loom.ly/_Fy-6gs

22/09/2023

VGM would like to thank Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks for her work on behalf of the rural patients in her Iowa district and across the country. Be sure to read this press release from Miller-Meeks' office on the new DMEPOS Relief Act: https://loom.ly/2XlBd2E

20/09/2023

New legislation was introduced by Representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA) and Paul Tonko (D-NY): H.R. 5555, The DMEPOS Relief Act of 2023. Now it's time to reach out to your member of Congress asking them to support this bill!

Read more and find an easy way to message your member of Congress: https://loom.ly/lo8ySf4

11/09/2023

Today we remember and honor the lives lost on September 11, 2001. Let us also remember the strength and resilience demonstrated as we came together as one nation.

04/09/2023

🎉 Happy Labor Day!

We would like to take a moment to honor the hard work, dedication, and resilience of our members, vendor partners, state associations, and employee owners that help shape the industry for the better.

Enjoy the day!

21/08/2023

Our thoughts are with our members and partners in Maui and the surrounding Hawaiian area as the natural disasters persist.

member Gammie HomeCare, located in Hawaii, has launched a virtual food drive to help the Maui Food Bank supply basic food needs to residents impacted by the wildfires. If you are interested in learning more or contributing, click here: https://loom.ly/ViWBL9s

And as always, please feel free to use our network and discussion board for any needs or reach out to us here: https://loom.ly/7AnyWmQ

18/08/2023

Yesterday, Jeremy Stolz, President, VGM & Associates and VGM Fulfillment, had the opportunity to join forces with industry leaders from Norco, Pride Mobility, and AAHomecare at an important event with Washington Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers.

One key focus of their discussions was Senate Bill S.1294, a game-changer for the industry. This bill aims to establish a 75/25 blended rate for non-rural, non-CBA suppliers, a vital step towards ensuring fair and sustainable practices within our industry.

efforts like this are important in paving the way for positive change. These combined efforts are a driving force for solutions that will benefit our members and the individuals relying on their services.

11/08/2023

Have you checked your surety bonds recently?

Please watch this plea from Ronda Buhrmester asking you to be sure to check your surety bonds before it is too late and reach out to your bond company before it's too late.

09/08/2023

John Gallagher and the VGM Government Relations team have been busy so far this August of Action. This past week, they traveled and met with all four Senators from Arizona and Montana about the importance of S. 1294 and how it will positively impact Medicare in the industry.

03/08/2023

With summer coming to an end, the political landscape is heating up with August of Action in full swing. Advocates and activists across the nation are seizing the opportunity to engage with their legislators as they are home in their congressional districts. Find out how VGM Government Relations is kicking off our August of Action! https://loom.ly/3xFPQgg

26/07/2023

Today is National Disability Independence Day, where we honor the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)!

We are thankful for everything that the has done for those with disabilities, and we are thankful to our members and vendor partners who strive to provide the best, accessible care possible to their customers.

Read more about the importance of this day ➡️ https://loom.ly/1RdXasE

12/07/2023

CMS just released a proposed rule in the Federal Register on July 10, 2023, covering important DME-related topics. Industry expert Craig Douglas breaks it down in his insightful article. Check it out! https://loom.ly/kkyzBAc