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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2015 - 2016
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | April 25, 2016 11:51 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Michael K. Hanna |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Resolution Declaring May 2, 2016, as “Bronchial Thermoplasty Awareness Day” in Pennsylvania |
| **Please note that this resolution will be introduced by the close of business on Wednesday, April 27, 2016. Resolution Declaring May 2, 2016, as “Bronchial Thermoplasty Awareness Day” in Pennsylvania In the very near future, I intend to introduce a resolution recognizing May 2, 2016, as “Bronchial Thermoplasty Awareness Day” in Pennsylvania. Asthma is a common chronic disorder of the airways that is complex and characterized by variable and recurring symptoms, airflow obstruction, bronchial hyper-responsiveness, and an underlying inflammation. Approximately 24 million Americans suffer from asthma and nearly 3,400 die from asthma every year. Bronchial Thermoplasty is delivered by the Alair System, the first therapeutic device approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2010 for adult patients with severe uncontrolled asthma. Bronchial Thermoplasty targets airway smooth muscles by delivering a controlled specific amount of thermal energy to the airway wall through a dedicated catheter. A total of 79% of patients who are treated have reported a significant improvement in their asthma-related quality of life. Those treated experienced a 32% decrease in severe asthma attacks, an 84% reduction in asthma-related emergency room visits, and 66% fewer days lost from work, school and daily activities due to asthma. I am introducing this resolution because one of my constituents suffers from severe asthma. Her current insurance provider, Capital Blue Cross, deems this procedure “experimental” and therefore will not cover the costs associated with Bronchial Thermoplasty treatment. Independence Blue Cross is the first insurance provider in Pennsylvania to cover Bronchial Thermoplasty as medically necessary. Therefore, I am urging Capital Blue Cross and all insurance providers throughout the state to cover Bronchial Thermoplasty in its entirety. Please join me in recognizing May 2, 2016, as “Bronchial Thermoplasty Awareness Day” in Pennsylvania. Should you have any questions, please contact Samantha Lockhart via email at SLockhart@pahouse.net or phone at 717-772-2283. |
Introduced as HR839