We have just learned that the Medicare Package will be acted on by the US House of Representatives tomorrow

The U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives voted to overturn President Bush's veto of the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (HR 6331).

This bill will make life easier for the millions of Americans on Medicare who suffer from serious lung diseases, especially the many adults who have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The vote of 70 to 26 in the US Senate and 383-41 in the House of Representatives insures that older Americans in all states have access to pulmonary rehabilitation treatment as a covered benefit through Medicare, reducing the impact of COPD by helping to control or reduce breathlessness and recondition the body. It is well established that pulmonary rehabilitation helps people with COPD to develop less need for medications and experience fewer hospital stays, longer survival and a better quality of life.

7/2/08 - The following statement has been provided to the COPD Foundation by Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID), Co-Chair Congressional COPD Caucus

"H.R. 6331 contained a number of positive provisions, including the cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation language, but faced a veto threat from the White House. Accordingly, I chose to support a Senate bipartisan compromise between Chairman Baucus and Senator Grassley. This bill also contained the cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation provisions and it could have been signed into law by the President, unlike H.R. 6331. Unfortunately, for political reasons, the Democrats refused to allow this compromise bill to come to a vote. If they had, it would have passed overwhelmingly and this issue would be behind us. I remain committed to the COPD community and am confident that Congress can agree on Medicare legislation that will contain these crucial provisions. I will continue to advocate on behalf of patients who need cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation."
Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID), Co-Chair Congressional COPD Caucus

Here is proof that when we stand up as a group, we COPD Patients can make a difference.

HR 6331 has passed the House!

355 YEA - 59 NAY!

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There is so much more Work to do!

The Senate Finance Committee is close to finalizing their version of this, which could be voted as early as tomorrow. While the Baucus-Grassley bill does include language to delay the competitive bidding program, there is potential for additional cuts to oxygen.

Call and have your senators support the competitive bidding delay in the House bill and to oppose the additional cuts to oxygen and to PMDs.

U.S. Capitol Switchboard: 202-224-3121

We have just learned that the Medicare Package will be acted on by the US House of Representatives tomorrow, June 24, 2008. The Bill Number is HR 6331 "The Medicare Improvement for Patient and Provider Act".

HR 6331 includes the following provisions which are of CRITICAL importance to the patient community
Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Repeal of the title transfer after 36 months to Medicare Beneficiaries
A Delay in the implementation of the Competitive Bidding Process

HR 6331 has been placed on the suspension calendar which means that it will require a 2/3 majority to pass.

Please call your members of Congress and express the need to pass HR 6331 for the good of all pulmonary patients.

Capitol Switchboard 202-224-3121 will connect you to any US Congressional Office.

Miriam O'Day