Contact U.S. rep about home oxygen

To the editor:

Urgent attention is needed regarding home oxygen. The U.S. House of Representatives will soon vote on a controversial budget bill (S. 1932). Unfortunately, the bill includes drastic changes to home-oxygen policy that will affect older and disabled Americans on Medicare.

I urge you to contact your U.S. representatives to vote no on this bill. Please call the switchboard at the U.S. Capitol at (202) 224-3121 and ask to be connected to your U.S. representative. Then ask to speak with the legislative assistant for health-care issues and urge a no vote on S. 1932.

Medicare currently pays for home oxygen on a monthly basis. The monthly payment covers the cost of oxygen equipment, refills of portable oxygen systems, home delivery, billing Medicare, oxygen supplies, 24-hour emergency service, maintenance, repair and replacement if needed. Many members of Congress feel this payment system costs too much.

In S. 1932, Congress would make oxygen a rent-to-purchase product based on a 36-month rent-to-own arrangement. This means that if you need home oxygen for more then 36 months, the equipment would be considered purchased, and Medicare will stop paying. You would essentially be left to manage your home oxygen therapy at your expense.

I strongly oppose this change, fearing it will create an unfair burden on home-oxygen users and place patients at safety and medical risk. This position is supported by many clinical professional and patient advocacy organizations.

PATRICK A NAEGER, Executive Vice President, HealthCare Equipment & Supply Co., Perryville, Mo.