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Spotlighting Champions of Change: Meetings with Rep. Blake Moore and Sen. Patty Murray's Staff

Published in Government Relations on October 28, 2024

We are proud to recognize two HME suppliers and VGM members who have recently taken the initiative to engage with their legislators and staff members.

Moore

_{Rep. Blake Moore (center) with Alpine Medical in Ogden, UT}

Alpine Home Medical hosted Rep. Blake Moore (R-UT) at their Ogden, UT location last week. CEO Jay Broadbent reported that Rep. Moore was highly informed and supportive of DMEPOS legislation. As a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, Rep. Moore is already a co-sponsor of H.R. 5555.

Olympic

^{Sen. Patty Murray's staff (center) with Olympic Pharmacy in Gig Harbor, WA}

Olympic Pharmacy in Gig Harbor, WA, welcomed Juan Beltran-Gonzalez, a staff member of Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA), for a facility tour and discussion of DMEPOS legislation, S. 1294. Sen. Murray plays a crucial role in healthcare legislation, serving on both the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee and the Senate Appropriations Committee.

These events exemplify how HME suppliers can effectively educate their legislators on DMEPOS issues and become champions of change. This grassroots advocacy is essential for the passage of DMEPOS legislation, and we encourage all HME suppliers to engage with their legislators to garner the necessary support.

How to Gain Legislative Support for DMEPOS Legislation

Engaging with your legislators is crucial for gaining support for DMEPOS legislation. Here are some effective strategies:

Invite them to your office: Offer a tour and arrange a meeting to discuss the importance of DMEPOS legislation.

Request an in-person meeting: Schedule a visit to their office to present your case directly.

Attend public events: Approach them at state or town fairs and discuss the issues face-to-face.

Reach out to their staff: Contact their staff members to request their support.

The period after elections but before the new administration takes over, known as the “lame duck” period, is a unique opportunity. Outgoing politicians can make decisions with little fear of consequence, making it an ideal time to seek additional support for DMEPOS legislation. We are optimistic that an end-of-the-year package will include the DMEPOS bill.

For assistance in connecting with your legislator, please contact Emily Harken at Emily.Harken@vgm.com.

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