Oppose Legislation In Congress, USA

Main Category: Respiratory / Asthma
Also Included In: Medicare / Medicaid / SCHIP;  Medical Devices / Diagnostics;  Pediatrics / Children's Health
Article Date: 31 Jul 2007 - 1:00 PST

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The AARC is following an issue that will affect patient care and safety. We urge you to contact your members of Congress.

Late yesterday, the House Ways and Means Committee unveiled its bill to re-authorize the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) and to make certain changes to the Medicare Program. The "Children's Health and Medicare Protection Act of 2007" (H.R. 3162) is a $90 billion package that includes $50 billion to reauthorize the State Children's Health Insurance Program.

Both patient and provider stakeholders, have argued that the new policy could put patients in danger if they are responsible for upkeep and maintenance of their oxygen equipment--a service many companies currently provide as part of the rental fee.

Oxygen

-- The bill adopts the President's proposed FY budget provision reducing the payment cap for home oxygen services from 36 months to 13 months

-- The bill would exempt new technology, described as oxygen generating portable equipment, maintaining the current 36-month payment cap for new technology.

-- Payment levels in the initial 10 competitive bidding areas would be exempt from the 13-month cap; the 36-month payment cap would prevail.

What Can You Do?

Contact your members of Congress by going to Capitol Connection and looking up their contact information. Tell them that oxygen cuts are not in the best interests of the patient, and will result in beneficiaries being denied access.

Some Talking Points You Can Use

-- Oxygen therapy is critical to approximately one million Americans who suffer from respiratory illnesses such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and who require oxygen therapy under Medicare. Nationwide, as many as 12 million Americans have been diagnosed with COPD, a number that is growing. It is a slowly progressive, incurable disease that causes irreversible loss of lung function. Although existing medications have not proven beneficial in reversing its effects, home oxygen therapy-when properly prescribed and maintained-can slow or stop lung degeneration.

-- Medical oxygen is a federal legend drug and the devices are prescription only. Transferring the burden of ownership to the beneficiary presents serious risks to patient safety.

-- Oxygen therapy requires more than a piece of equipment. Do not deprive patients from having access to important services that they need to maintain their health.

American Association for Respiratory Care