Congressman Kustoff: Support the SAFE Act to protect older Tennesseans

To the Editor,

Despite being preventable, falling is a significant health concern impacting older Americans. This is something that affects everyone, as tens of thousands of our friends, parents, and grandparents suffer from prolonged pain, broken bones, hospitalizations, and other long-term effects from fall-related injuries. In addition to the physical afflictions resulting from falls, these injuries create significant costs and financial strain on the nation’s healthcare system, with the CDC estimating annual fall-related costs to reach $100 billion by 2030. Falls are also the #1 cause of injury and injury-related death in patients 65 and older; a daunting statistic that needs to be changed.

Thankfully, Congress is considering bipartisan legislation that could help protect older Americans from falling. STAR Physical Therapy in Dyersburg recently had the honor of welcoming Representative David Kustoff to discuss the Stopping Addiction and Falls for the Elderly (SAFE) Act (H.R. 7618), which would enhance access to physical and occupational therapy to prevent falls. This bill was introduced in the U.S. House to allow Medicare beneficiaries to receive a no-cost fall risk assessment from a physical or occupational therapist as part of their Medicare wellness benefit. Many older Americans don’t have the opportunity to use preventive care services to reduce their risk of falling. The SAFE Act would ensure increased access to fall risk assessments from physical and occupational therapists who are fall risk experts.

Ultimately, this legislation would help prevent avoidable accidents, injuries, and hospitalizations – something that I support for my older patients and fellow Tennesseans who need access to these life-sustaining, preventative physical therapy services. Here at STAR Physical Therapy, we support the SAFE Act and are thankful for Congressman Kustoff’s support.

I encourage Congressman Kustoff and his colleagues in Congress to ensure this legislation is made law.

Ross Maldonado, PT, Partner at STAR Physical Therapy