On behalf of the people we serve and our professional colleagues, I want to urge individuals to contact their U.S. representatives and senators to support the following initiatives being voted on during the 2008 session.

The Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation act., H.R. 552 and S. 329 S, are bills in the House and Senate that define a rehabilitation program and allow for Medicare billing. This will ensure access to cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation services across the United States. These services reduce health-care costs and improve quality of life for recipients.

The amendment to Medicare part B regarding ownership of oxygen equipment, H.R. 621, is a bill to remove or reverse the 36-month cap on home oxygen equipment. The law, as it stands now, creates unsafe conditions for home oxygen patients who do not have ability to maintain this delicate equipment. Equipment that is not properly maintained will create unsafe conditions for our patients at home and greater costs to the healthcare system.

Elaine Murray, president

Maine Society of Respiratory Care

Belgrade