Washington, D.C. – Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX) today introduced legislation that would improve the quality of treatment for patients at risk for developing sleep apnea, which affects an estimated 12-18 million adults in the U.S.

The bill, H.R. 4695, would require Medicare to include a sleep apnea questionnaire to the Welcome to Medicare Physical under the Medicare Part B benefit in order to identify seniors who may have risk factors associated with this illness, including advanced age, obesity, large neck circumference, high blood pressure and a family history.

“As a physician, I know that early detection is often the best defense against life-threatening illnesses,” Burgess said. “This legislation is a no-brainer: It’s bipartisan, and the potential for improved care among patients who suffer or may suffer from this illness is great.”

H.R. 4695 is cosponsored by Congressman Bobby L. Rush (D-IL) and is endorsed by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. 

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