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VGM Government Relations

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VGM Government Relations

VGM Government Relations is committed to fighting for the success of the Home Medical Equipment Industry. and coast to coast.

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 with 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).

01/13/2026

The Board of Certification/Accreditation (BOC) has been reinstated as an approved accrediting organization (AO) in all but four states, the company has announced.

01/09/2026

CMS Changes Competitive Bid Program Impacting Contracts and Bid Submission Requirements for Financial Documentation – What Providers Need to Know

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) changes to the DMEPOS Competitive Bid Program as outlined in CMS-1828-F will reshape how suppliers prepare bids, qualify for contracts, and manage operational readiness. For DME suppliers, understanding both the changes to the contract awards and the bid submission is essential to understanding and preparing for the next bidding cycle.

Click here to read more:

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' (CMS) changes to the DMEPOS Competitive Bid Program as outlined in CMS-1828-F will reshape how suppliers prepare bids, qualify for contracts, and manage operational readiness. For DME suppliers, understanding both the changes to the contract awards and...

01/07/2026

Meet The Candidates: VGM Hosts Rep. Randy Feenstra, Iowa Gubernatorial Candidate

On Monday, VGM Group welcomed employees and local guests for another installment of its Meet The Candidates series. The featured guest was Rep. Randy Feenstra, current Congressman for Iowa’s 4th District and a strong supporter of DMEPOS legislation.

Click here to read the full story:
https://www.vgm.com/services/government-relations/meet-the-candidates-vgm-hosts-rep-randy-feenstra-iowa-gubernatorial-candidate-/

01/06/2026

Action Needed!
Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee to Hold Hearing on Medicare Payment Policy Legislation – Thursday, Jan. 8
Click on the link to read the full article.
https://www.vgm.com/services/government-relations/resource-center/energy--commerce-health-subcommittee-to-hold-hearing-on-medicare-payment-policy-legislation--thursday-jan-8/

12/24/2025

Our team is always on the go, so getting everyone together is rare. This year, we called in reinforcements—AI helped us pull off a Christmas card! 😂 Wishing you a Merry Christmas from the VGM Government Relations team!

12/23/2025

CMS Releases CPI-U Adjustments and 2026 Q1 Fee schedule.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the annual inflation factor to be applied to DMEPOS items effective January 1, 2026, with an implementation date of January 5, 2026. The breakdown of the adjustment is dependent upon whether the serviced items are included in the competitiv...

12/17/2025

CMS Withdraws BOC Accreditation Authority For DMEPOS
Read full article here:

On December 2, 2025, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) officially revoked the Board of Certification/Accreditation International (BOC) as an approved accreditation organization for suppliers of durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS).

12/10/2025

Major Update On Product Categories For The Next Round Of Competitive Bidding

To clarify, CMS has updated the fact sheet released November 28 with the Final Rule confirming that "All product categories for the next round will be included in the Nationwide Remote Item Delivery Program.” The fact sheet also states that the urological supplies category will not include hydrophilic catheters. The categories are:

Class II Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) & Insulin Pumps
Urological Supplies
Ostomy Supplies
Hydrophilic Urinary Catheters
Off-the-shelf Back Braces
Off-the-shelf Knee Braces
Off-the-shelf Upper Extremity Braces

Since the publication of the Final Rules on the Competitive Bidding Program (CBP) was announced, VGM has been in conversation with CMS officials as well as other industry groups regarding additional products being included into the CBP. The unofficial feedback we received indicated that there would....

12/01/2025

CMS Finalizes Rule Changing The Next Round Of The Competitive Bidding Program And Updating Other Provisions Related To Provider Enrollment And Prior Authorization

Webinar this Wednesday, Dec. 3, 11 a.m. CST: Understanding the Final Rule on the DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program
Join VGM for a live webinar on Wednesday, Dec. 3 at 11 a.m. CST as we break down the latest updates to the Competitive Bidding Program and what they mean for your business.

Featured Experts:
Melanie Ewald – VP of Payer Relations & Reimbursement
Ronda Buhrmester – Sr. Director of Payer Relations & Reimbursement
Kelly Grahovac – General Manager, The van Halem Group

Read the full article and sign up for the webinar:

Final Rule Analysis from the VGM Payer Relations and Reimbursement team On Nov, 28, 2025, CMS finalized Final Rule CMS-1828-F that includes updates to the Competitive Bidding Program (CBP) and other provisions related to provider enrollment and prior authorization. Next round is expected to be imple...

11/25/2025

We are deeply saddened to share the passing of our beloved colleague and friend, Mike Hamilton, Executive Director for ADMEA (Alabama Durable Medical Equipment Association.)

For over 50 years, Mike dedicated his life to the DME industry, setting an incredible example of hard work, integrity, and passion.

He was a mentor, a friend, and a true advocate of the industry.
Rest in peace, Mike. You will be missed but never forgotten.

11/18/2025

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.

Continue to the full article here.

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:

11/14/2025

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%.

Read full story here: https://marketing.vgm.com/acton/rif/10445/e-7c6e-2511/-/l-hidden-test-list:8ed/l-hidden-test-list/showPreparedMessage?sid=TV2:F9cisEBQZ

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1111 Van Miller Way
Waterloo, IA
50701

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Monday	8am - 5pm
Tuesday	8am - 5pm
Wednesday	8am - 5pm
Thursday	8am - 5pm
Friday	8am - 5pm

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+18006426065

Website

http://www.vgmdclink.com/

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