On Thursday my colleague Kristen and I had the opportunity to speak with some legislative staff regarding access to health care services. We were there to represent the voice of the patient and family perspective. We discussed the importance of Durable Medical Equipment (DME) services and how they truly impact the patients’ lives and the negative impact additional reductions in DME reimbursement would have on those with COPD and other lung diseases, especially in rural areas. We attempted to expose the link between the reduction of access and negative health outcomes. We know that to those of you who require DME’s, it is not just a matter of frustration or a source of contention, but it could be the nexus to a healthier existence.

We were grateful for this opportunity and fortunate to have other knowledgeable individuals with us that were able to speak to the broader reaches of this bill.