Respiratory therapists will take center stage on Capitol Hill on April 9, as members of the AARC’s Political Advocacy Contact Team (PACT) travel to Washington, DC, to meet with their representatives in Congress to share vital information about the profession and its patients.
But our annual lobby event really starts today with the launch of our Virtual Lobby Campaign. This coordinated effort is our best chance to flood members of Congress with emails supporting the messages PACT members will be delivering in person on the 9th.
This year’s top two “asks” center on telehealth and liquid oxygen.
First, we are asking House members to cosponsor the Better Respiration through Expanding Access to Tele-Health Act – otherwise known as the BREATHE Act when it is introduced.
We’re asking members of the Senate to introduce a companion bill.
The BREATHE Act is a three-year pilot designed to demonstrate the value that telehealth RTs can add to the Medicare program for beneficiaries suffering from COPD.
Second, in an effort to ensure continuity of care for home oxygen patients during Medicare’s 18-24 month suspension of the competitive bidding program, which is underway now, we are asking members of Congress to sign an upcoming letter to the Medicare Administrator directing the Medicare program to monitor patient access to liquid oxygen for those whose lives depend on it and report its findings to Congress.
How can you help? Just follow these three easy steps –
- Go to the AARC Take Action Page.
- Select the campaign that fits your role (Respiratory Therapist, Student, Patient, Physician, or Supporter/Friend).
- Follow the form options to email, call, or Tweet at your officials.
That’s it!
So take a few moments out of your day and let your members of Congress know you support the BREATHE Act and maintaining patient access to liquid oxygen. The messages you send now will greatly enhance the impact PACT members will be able to make on Capitol Hill on April 9.
Virtual Lobby Campaign runs March 27-April 10.
Map data shows the 300 most recent messages sent to elected officials,
Email newsroom@aarc.org with questions or comments, we’d love to hear from you.
Heather Willden is the Director of Governance and Strategic Initiatives for the AARC where she works with state affiliates as the HOD liaison. She also manages DEI efforts and strategic initiatives. Connect with her about these topics by email, AARConnect or LinkedIn. When she's not working, you can find her podcasting with her husband, exploring new hiking trails, photographing, and spending time with her family.
