Alliance Letter: Proposed Tariffs Could Compromise Access to Needed Medical Technologies
Published October 17, 2025
Today, the Alliance for Aging Research provided input on the Department of Commerce’s Section 232 investigation into personal protective equipment, medical consumables, and medical equipment, including devices.
The letter explains how proposed tariffs could compromise access to consistent and affordable life-saving medications for millions of older Americans.
An excerpt: “The MedTech and Medical Device industry improves healthcare outcomes for patients. Innovative diagnostic and treatment devices empower patients to manage chronic conditions, enable clinicians to detect diseases earlier, and allow people to live longer, healthier lives. A 2023 U.S. News & World Report survey noted that more than half of adults age 55 and older use assistive technology to stay healthier so they can age in place. Tariffs would drive up the price of essential items that older adults rely on to live independently like wheelchairs, oxygen equipment, and diabetes supplies.”