Tag: Advocacy
VGM turns patient stories into state-level advocacy
September 11, 2026Tracy Orzel
WATERLOO, Iowa – VGM has developed a platform that collects real-world experiences from home medical equipment (HME) patients and providers, turning them into data that can guide consumer decisions and inform public policy.
“I love hearing stories. I love telling stories,” said Ike Isaacson, senior vice president of government & regulatory relations for VGM. “There’s so much power in that first-person experience that we just haven’t done a great job of capturing....
What's our DC ROI?
August 3, 2026Ike Isaacson & Dan Fedor
Many businesses rely on the concept of ROI – return on investment – to evaluate whether their resources are being used effectively. The home medical equipment (HME) industry is no different. Over time, this principle has guided decisions on where to invest, whether in conferences, programs, travel, or advocacy. Some investments generate immediate results, while others take longer to pay off, but both are essential to sustaining a strong, stable industry.
What sets this industry...
In brief: Tightening enrollment, SOAR Act urgency, summer advocacy
July 2, 2026HME News Staff
WASHINGTON – The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on July 1 released a 2027 Home Health Prospective Payment System proposed rule that includes new provider enrollment provisions that would apply across Medicare provider and supplier types. Among them: The ability to claw-back payments retroactive to the date of noncompliance for all revocations.
Under current regulations, certain Medicare enrollment revocations become effective prospectively — specifically, 30 days after...
‘Make Your Voice Heard’: VGM launches summer advocacy initiative
July 1, 2026HME News Staff
WATERLOO, Iowa – VGM Government Relations has launched a summer advocacy initiative encouraging home medical equipment (HME) providers to connect with legislators while they are back in their home states and districts. The campaign, “Make Your Voice Heard,” is designed to help providers build or strengthen relationships with elected officials and educate them on the challenges facing HME businesses, the patients they serve and the importance of policies that protect access to equipment...
AAHomecare releases 2025 impact report showcasing accomplishments
February 23, 2026HME News Staff
ARLINGTON, Va. – AAHomecare has released its 2025 Impact Report, offering an inside look at how coordinated advocacy and collaboration shaped policy outcomes during one of the most challenging years the industry has faced.
The report highlights the advocacy, joint efforts and industry-wide initiatives that shaped reimbursement, access to care and day-to-day operations.
“In 2025, access to home-based care was tested, but the strength...
Advocacy: Lead with your heart
December 10, 2025Lisa Wells
Q. How can I avoid pitfalls in storytelling?
A. There’s a special kind of ick when a highly profitable health care company posts financially related self-congratulations online at the exact moment CMS is announcing reimbursement reform. It’s the corporate equivalent of bragging about your luxury vacation…at a community health fundraiser. Technically allowed. Cosmically tone-deaf.
Even worse? Celebrating your latest acquisition,...
Advocacy: Bring story to virtual life
November 12, 2025Lisa Wells
Q. How can I use AI tools to bring our message to life?
A. In advocacy, the most powerful stories are the ones that move us – not just emotionally but visually, across every channel where people are paying attention. Thanks to emerging AI tools like HeyGen and Synthesia, advocates can now bring their messages to virtual life in affordable ways that are engaging, accessible and scalable.
These tools use AI emcees, or lifelike digital presenters, to narrate, educate and connect with...
Advocacy: Pull up more chairs
October 8, 2025Lisa Wells
Q. How can HME providers ethically partner with customers to build powerful, authentic advocacy stories?
A. In advocacy, stories are everything. They cut through political noise, put a face to policy and remind decision-makers that every vote has a human cost. Yet, too often, the very people most affected (seniors and people with disabilities) are left out of shaping the narrative.
That’s why the disability rights community has long championed the phrase “Nothing for...
Advocacy: Get off the sidelines
September 8, 2025Lisa Wells
Q. How can manufacturers and HME providers team up to support home care advocacy?
A. Advocacy only works when everyone shows up – including you. If you’re a home care provider and you stay silent while reimbursement cuts are coming, you can’t be surprised when margins shrink, customers lose access and your business suffers.
In short: You get what you give. As a care provider, you have a responsibility to keep your customers informed about real issues...
VGM launches advocacy toolkit
July 31, 2025HME News Staff
WATERLOO, Iowa – The VGM Government Relations team has launched a Grassroots Advocacy Toolkit to support durable medical equipment professionals, caregivers, industry partners and patient advocates in advancing legislative initiatives that impact equipment and services.
The toolkit includes materials and resources to assist in advocating for the DME industry, including:
Issue briefs: Clear, concise issue briefs outlining key legislative priorities and how...