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Champions of Change Pushing for 55 in 55 Make Moves in Illinois

Published in Government Relations on October 25, 2023

Champions of Change are making a strong start in the push for 55 in 55 (The goal of 55 in 55 is to schedule 55 visits with legislators and/or their staff in 55 days). Yesterday, a room of nearly 20 people gathered at VGM member, Prism Health Care Services in Schaumburg, IL to discuss S. 1294, current DME rates impacted by supply chain, delivery costs, employee costs, inflation, and so much more.  

Illinois Meeting

Included in the meeting were: 

  • Jessica Sewell, Chicago Outreach Director (Senator Tammy Duckworth’s office) 
  • Neidi Mack, VP Ancillary Services; Tom Halpin, Supply Chair Director; Mary Mundo, Quality Control Director; Elizabeth Slover, Human Resources Generalist (Prism Health Care) 
  • Maura Flanary, VP Network Services (The Alden Skilled Nursing Facility Network) 
  • Julie Levin, Respiratory Therapist, Clinical Manager, Sleep Services; Michelle Bos, Registered Polysomnographic Technologist, RPSGT (Suburban Lung Associations) 
  • Jack Avila, Manager, Wheelchair Seating Center (Shirley Ryan AbilityLab) 
  • John Gallagher, VP Government Relations (VGM) 

Illinois Meeting“Our industry is facing critical cuts and challenges, and the time to make change is now,” said John Gallagher, VP of Government Relations for VGM. “A 30% cut, that is what our providers are looking at if legislators don’t pass S. 1294 and H.R. 5555. Add in the fact that delivery costs in Illinois are up an average of 43%,” continued Gallagher. “Those numbers don’t add up.” 

If change isn’t made by the end of year, providers in Illinois and across the country will face difficult decisions, and patients will lose access to critical care and products. Clinicians were also in attendance yesterday and voiced concerns about discharge, readmissions, availability of RX products, and access issues in rural and underserved areas of IL.  

“It is critical for all providers and suppliers to talk to their legislators about these issues,” said Neidi Mack, VP Ancillary Services for Prism Health Care. “Our population, our customers, your family, deserves the best care, access to care, and products and services, but that is becoming more difficult each day to provide.”  

There is time to push for change, but it is limited. Join in pushing for 55 in 55 and talk to your legislators today! And then, tell us about it!  

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