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Every year, millions of Americans suffer from serious lung disease including many older adults who suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD, which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis, is a chronic disease that has been diagnosed in nearly 12 million adults. Pulmonary rehabilitation programs are scientifically proven to improve the health and well being of patients with COPD and other lung diseases.

Senators Mike Crapo (R-ID) and Blanche Lincoln (D-AR), and Representative John Lewis (D-GA) and Representative Chip Pickering (R-MS) have introduced legislation (S. 329/H.R. 552) that would require Medicare to cover pulmonary rehabilitation in all states.  Pulmonary rehabilitation is crucial for many COPD patients. It can help reduce the impact of COPD and greatly improve the patient’s quality of life.  Pulmonary rehabilitation programs have also been shown to reduce health care costs by patients with COPD. 

The legislation introduced by Senators Crapo and Lincoln and Representatives Lewis and Pickering will serve the health care needs of millions of Americans who suffer from COPD, helping to vastly improve their quality of life.