Rep. Michael C. Burgess, MD, R–Texas, introduced a sleep apnea screening bill in the U.S. House of Representatives on May 21. The legislation, H.R. 4695, which was initiated through the AASM Seniors Sleep Campaign, would add screening for obstructive sleep apnea to the initial preventive physical examination covered under the Medicare program. The bipartisan bill is co-sponsored by Rep. Bobby L. Rush, D-Ill.
“The American Academy of Sleep Medicine commends Rep. Burgess and Rep. Rush for sponsoring this important legislation and urges the U.S. Congress to pass the bill, which will enhance the patient-centered health care provided to seniors when they enter the Medicare program,” said AASM President Dr. M. Safwan Badr.
H.R. 4695 proposes that a clinically validated screening questionnaire be used during the introductory “Welcome to Medicare” preventive visit to identify new Medicare beneficiaries who have a high risk for obstructive sleep apnea. The bill would apply to initial preventive physical examinations performed on or after Jan. 1, 2016.
“A sleep apnea screening questionnaire is a simple, validated and cost-effective tool that can be used to identify Medicare patients who are at risk for obstructive sleep apnea,” said Burgess, a doctor who founded and currently serves as co-chair of the Congressional Health Caucus. “Diagnosing and treating sleep apnea is essential for effective chronic disease management among seniors.”
The AASM is now working to secure additional co-sponsors of the House bill and a legislative sponsor in the Senate. AASM members can support this effort by signing the Seniors Sleep Pledge and making a contribution to the AASM Political Action Committee (PAC).
