Tag: Ike Isaacson
Government Relations: Speak with one voice
April 17, 2024Ike Isaacson
Q. How do we enhance our message?
A. When we speak together, we improve the health care landscape. We demonstrate that we are a trustworthy and dependable source of information and expertise, and that we represent a large and diverse group of stakeholders who all care deeply about the DMEPOS industry and those we serve. This collective voice pushes back on any negative or false claims that may come from other interests or groups.
We increase the awareness and recognition of the DMEPOS...
VGMA taps into state issues
March 29, 2024Liz Beaulieu, Editor
WATERLOO, Iowa – VGM & Associates played host to the leaders of nine state and regional association leaders in February to provide them with a venue to share their struggles, including Medicaid managed care and member recruitment, and see where it can help.
The annual State Leaders Summit was attended by leaders from the Home Medical Equipment and Services Association (HOMES), the Texas Medical Equipment Providers Association (TexMEP), the Association for Tennessee Home Oxygen & Medical...
Government Relations: Know the mission
March 13, 2024Ike Isaacson
Q. How do I work with legislators that I don’t agree with?
A. Advocate for policy not party! One of my greatest sources of pride in my role is that people really don’t know what “party” I affiliate with. I do have my leanings, and to be sure, I have a core set of beliefs. However, in my role, my focus must be different than in my personal life. To maintain this focus, I have something that I remind myself of any time that my personal and professional role meander...
Government relations: Be knowledgeable, be specific
February 7, 2024Ike Isaacson
Q. I’m new to the advocacy game. How can I get started?
A. If you have never engaged your legislator, it can feel intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Effective communication with legislators is easy and essential for any advocacy success. Here are some tips to help you communicate effectively with legislators:
Be specific: Be specific about the issue you are advocating for. Provide clear and concise information about the issue and why it is important.
Ask...
Government relations: Stay engaged
January 16, 2024Ike Isaacson
Q. What government topics should we be focusing on in 2024?
A. There are several “big ticket” topics to track this year and, of course, there will be more that pop up at the federal level, as well as state-by-state challenges and opportunities. Here are some of the key topics and what to expect.
Medicare coverage for lymphedema compression treatment items: Starting Jan. 1, 2024, Medicare will pay for lymphedema compression treatment items, like compression garments and...
VGM’s Ike Isaacson gets 'revved up’
November 3, 2023Theresa Flaherty, Managing Editor
WATERLOO, Iowa – A singular focus and a singular voice: That’s what it takes to get the HME industry’s message across to both lawmakers and regulators, says Mike “Ike” Isaacson, who was recently named senior vice president of government relations at VGM & Associates.
Isaacson and the team at VGM currently have a goal of scheduling 55 visits with legislators or their staffers in 55 days in a final push to get H.R. 5555 and S. 1294 passed in Congress.
“The...
VGM taps Isaacson as SVP gov’t relations
October 24, 2023HME News Staff
WATERLOO, Iowa – VGM & Associates has named Ike Isaacson as senior vice president of Government Relations. In this new role he will focus on advocating for and elevating the DMEPOS industry. “I genuinely believe that our industry is in a very strong place,” said Isaacson. “Even with all the challenges, our members are better equipped to be champions of change for better policy, regulation and reimbursement. I’ve been energized for the last six years, collaborating with...