Let’s Protect Access to Home Oxygen and Medical Equipment

Recently, 57 lawmakers signed on to a letter penned by Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.), which pushes for H.R. 4229’s inclusion in the upcoming spending bill. Now, we’re calling on everyone to keep this momentum going.

The Clock is Ticking

H.R. 4229, Protecting Home Oxygen & Medical Equipment Access Act, would delay yet another round of unsustainable reimbursement cuts that disproportionately affect rural and non-bid America. In other words, it offers relief to providers and beneficiaries who are struggling—relief that can’t come soon enough.

The fact is, beneficiaries have 40 percent fewer providers today than they did in 2013. Worse yet, these cuts affect more than Medicare reimbursement. Other payers follow Medicare’s fee schedule, including TRICARE and Medicaid. This means even if you’re not on Medicare, you could still be impacted by these cuts.

With so many providers vanishing, many beneficiaries, especially in rural America, are now having trouble getting access to the equipment they need. By some estimates, this lack of access affects as many as 52 percent of beneficiaries in these areas.

What Can You Do?

One thing you can do is tell your story. We need lawmakers to understand the true costs these cuts to reimbursement have—not only for providers, but for beneficiaries. If you or someone you love or care for are struggling due to a lack of access to equipment, reach out to us at People for Quality Care by calling 800-404-8702, and we can help you share your story.

As always, be sure to contact your legislators. Currently, H.R. 4229 has 128 cosponsors. Click here to view a full list of cosponsors, and check for your legislator. On the left hand side of the page you can select your state to see which legislators are cosponsors. If your legislator doesn’t appear, contact them as soon as you can, and urge them to cosponsor H.R. 4229.

If you need help with any step of the process, People for Quality Care can help. Reach out to us on Facebook, visit our website, or call our hotline at 800-404-8702.