RetireSafe believes that proper access to diagnostic testing for issues like Osteoporosis is a vital part of medical care for seniors. Therefore we have sent the following letter to the key Representatives and Senators who have been instrumental in furthering the "Medicare Fracture Prevention Osteoporosis Testing Act" (HR 4206 and S. 2702). Here is the letter we sent to

The Honorable Shelley Berkley US House of Representatives 405 Cannon House Office Building Washington, DC 20515	The Honorable Michael C. Burgess US House of Representatives 1224 Longworth House Office Building Washington, DC 20515
The Honorable Ken Salazar US Senate 702 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510	The Honorable Olympia J. Snowe US Senate 154 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510

April 7, 2008

Dear Member of Congress:

On behalf of the undersigned national organizations, we applaud your leadership and commitment to health by introducing the “Medicare Fracture Prevention Osteoporosis Testing Act” (HR 4206 and S. 2702). As you know, it is vitally important that patients continue to have access to care that supports bone health services. Thanks to your leadership we have a chance to increase the number of screenings and decrease the number of individuals with osteoporosis in the U.S. by reversing the cuts to dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and vertebral fracture assessment (VFA) reimbursements.

The effect that osteoporosis and its related fractures have on the U.S. healthcare system is staggering, accounting for more than 300,000 hip fracture hospitalizations and costing more than $18 billion per year. Therefore, it is vitally important that patients continue to have access to services that support bone health, including DXA and VFA test, that measure bone mass and predict fracture risk. At a time when 61 million people in the U.S. are projected to have osteoporosis and low bone mass by 2020, it is critical that the nation maintain and preserve its capacity to treat this costly, debilitating and growing health disorder.

Thank you, Representatives and Senators, for recognizing the importance of prevention and early detection of bone fractures and osteoporosis. We fully support your efforts to maintain patient access to DXA and VFA services and strongly endorse the “Medicare Fracture Prevention Osteoporosis Testing Act.” Thank you for your commitment to the nation’s health.

Sincerely,

Alliance for Aging Research