VGM ad gives grassroots efforts high profile

WATERLOO, Iowa - The VGM Group plans to take out a full-page ad in a major Washington, D.C., journal this month, pushing the industry's message that current and future cuts to HME reimbursement could hold dire consequences for frail seniors. Additionally, the ad informs lawmakers that during their August break they should expect visits from HME providers and beneficiaries. The ad will run in Roll Call, a newspaper that covers the federal government and is read by an estimated 90% of lawmakers and their staff. Last Chance for Patient Choice, a nonprofit advocacy group that VGM created last fall, is spearheading the ad and visits. "With this ad, we're trying to frame in the congressman's eye, that when they tinker with HME reimbursement they are also directly affecting elderly people who have tremendous challenges in their lives and are trying to stay in their homes," said Mike Mallaro, LCPC president. The ad reads as an open letter from Mallaro to members of Congress and spells out how recent and future HME reimbursement cuts affect patient care. Following the Roll Call ad on June 19, LCPC will help state and regional HME associations coordinate provider meetings with federal representatives in their area. HME Marathon Week is scheduled for July 28 to Aug. 7. "We're going to have a lot of fights--competitive bidding isn't the last fight," said John Gallagher, VGM's vice president of government relations and vice president of LCPC. "So we want to develop ongoing relationships with members of Congress, something we've never done. This is something like what hospital associations and physicians do. They are always there with their congressman." What's more, Marathon Week is just a start. If this first effort generates 100 to 200 meetings with lawmakers, that will be great. Ultimately, however, the goal is to have a provider in every congressional district who can, when asked, spearhead talks with representatives on industry issues, Gallagher said. "It sounds like a great idea," said Karyn Estrella, executive director of the New England Medical Equipment Dealers association. "The ad is like a shot over the bow that we are coming. Now the state associations need to make sure they follow up with action."