This July, Let’s Celebrate Living Independently

Ever since the ink dried on the Declaration of Independence, people have gathered in July to celebrate. Back then, festivities included bonfires, concerts, parades, and even the firing of cannons. We’ve traded in the cannons for fireworks. But, what really gives Independence Day its flare is that families and communities come together to take part in the celebrations.

That’s why this month People for Quality Care would like to celebrate independence—not just for our country, but for everyone who’s able to live an independent life at home thanks to home medical equipment, supplies, and services.

Millions of Americans rely on medically necessary products and services to maintain their independence. The products include a wide variety of items including home oxygen therapy, hospital beds, patient lifts, and wheelchairs, just to name a few. It’s because of these devices and the suppliers who provide them that so many are able to continue an active daily life. They can celebrate holidays like Independence Day with their families and communities.

Oftentimes, it’s an individual’s local or area supplier who provides not only the devices themselves but the services required for patient education, ongoing support, and general upkeep. Those in rural areas already have limited options for where they can get the equipment they need. Across the country, the number of suppliers is dwindling.

Medicare’s “Competitive Bidding” program has drastically cut funding for the products and services people need by up to 50 percent. This has forced a staggering number of suppliers to either close their doors or stop serving Medicare beneficiaries, leaving many Americans without the resources they need to safely maintain their independence at home.

Fortunately, there’s hope. A bill in the House of Representatives, HR 4229, the Protecting HOME Access Act, already has more than 150 co-sponsors, and it will provide much-needed relief to Medicare recipients and the companies that serve them.

So, this July, let’s celebrate the independence that comes with access to home medical equipment and services by getting involved. Click here to send a letter to your member of Congress, and urge them to co-sponsor HR 4229.

Together, we can make sure millions of Americans keep their independence.