At the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF), we know that silence can be extremely painful. Osteoporosis is often called a “silent disease” because you may not know you have it until you break a bone. For the many patients who suffer, there is nothing silent about their pain. Therefore, we must speak out and help to educate people to prevent and heal fractures.
Read MoreThe National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) appreciates the opportunity to comment on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS’) Interim Final Rule entitled “Policy and Regulatory Revisions in Response to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency” (the IFC).
Read MoreBy Robert Gagel, MD Chair, National Osteoporosis Foundation Board. The importance of Medicare and the financial challenges it faces are at the forefront of our national discussions, whether during the 2020 Democratic presidential debates, or in Congressional conversations over price transparency and lowering the cost of prescription medications for patients. But these debates often ignore a serious health issue that threatens millions of Americans and the financial stability of Medicare.
Read MoreIn a follow up to the U.S. Senate Committee on Aging hearing on October 16, 2019, Ted Knutson, Forbes.com contributor recaps the scope of the crisis, barriers, options for prevention, and recommendations.
Read MoreOn Wednesday, October 16th at 9:30 AM ET, NOF CEO Elizabeth Thompson provided expert testimony at the U.S. Senate’s Special Committee on Aging. Thompson briefed the Committee on the results of a major new report commissioned by NOF that highlights the public health crisis of osteoporosis. She will testify in support of bipartisan Senate Bill 239, “Increasing Access to Osteoporosis Testing for Medicare Beneficiaries Act of 2019”, and make other recommendations on measures the Committee can take to improve healthcare outcomes for osteoporosis patients and lower health care costs.
Read MoreThere is a daily debate in Washington about how to lower U.S. health care costs that often pits increasing patient access against lowering costs to our healthcare system. However, in addressing American’s bone health crisis - where half of Americans age 50 and up are at risk of an osteoporotic fracture at an annual cost of $52 billion to Medicare - policymakers have a unique opportunity to support legislation that both improves patient health and decreases this staggering cost.
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