February 5, 2009

The Honorable Mike Crapo

239 Dirksen Senate Building
Washington, DC 20510

Dear Congressman Crapo,

This is to express the COPD Foundation’s strong support for S.343, the
Medicare Respiratory Therapy Initiative Act of 2009. This bill will allow patients
with respiratory problems to see a Respiratory Therapist without hospitalization.

Respiratory Therapists are one of the most important components in

rehabilitation services needed by all individuals diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive
Pulmonary Disease (COPD). According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood
Institute, in 2007, the U.S. government spent approximately $47 billion in what
could have been mostly preventable hospitalization costs for individuals with COPD.
Access to be seen by a Respiratory Therapist without having to be hospitalized is
essential to improving the quality of life for those with COPD.

This legislation will help ensure that all individuals with COPD living in the U.S.
(approximately 24 million) will have access to the quality of care they need, along
with the delivery of other health care services offered by Respiratory Therapists,
including disease management, smoking cessation, and education on the use of
aerosol inhalers.

If an individual relies on Medicare, they can see a physician without having to

check into a hospital. It should be the same for an individual who needs to see a
Respiratory Therapist.

We thank you in advance for recognizing the importance of bill S.343.

Sincerely,

John W. Walsh
President