Thanks to Washington legislators and the efforts of COPD Advisory Council member Lisa Zaenger and hundreds of COPD Initiative members, we have a new law ensuring uniform Pulmonary Rehabilitation benefits for all COPD patients...

In the past, Medicare regulations did not provide specific benefits for pulmonary Rehabilitation - a necessary program that has been shown to improve the symptoms of COPD and health-related quality of life.

In July 2008, National Coverage Determination for Pulmonary Rehabilitation was passed. This new provision makes pulmonary rehabilitation a covered Medicare benefit for those who qualify. This national coverage is scheduled to begin on January 1, 2010.

RHAMC will be involved with legislative issues throughout the year of 2009. Watch for future opportunities to get involved with our policy efforts! 

You can find your legislator’s contact information by visiting: elections.il.gov/DistrictLocator/SelectSearchType.aspx?NavLink=1.