Dementia Policy Project: Impact of tariffs on medical equipment for seniors

Becky Khayum

29 May 2025 — 5 min read

We help people living with different types of dementia and their caregivers understand how government decisions affect their care, support, and daily lives using plain language. Our mission is to give families the knowledge and tools they need to stay informed and to take action.

Here is a list of companies who plan to raise their prices because of the tariffs:

How to contact the White House about tariffs:

Here is the information to contact the White House Office of the United States Trade Representatives:

Email: engagement@ustr.eop.gov

Call: 202-395-5725 (leave a voice message)

Templates for contacting the White House:

You can read from these templates when you call the White House and leave a message.

You can also copy and paste these templates into an email message for the White House.

Template for person living with the diagnosis:

Dear President Trump,

My name is [Your Name], and I have been diagnosed with [ ____ ]. I live in [state]. My address is:

Please consider removing your tariffs on countries who make medical equipment.

Every day is difficult for me.

**Share your story and your daily challenges. You could could consider talking about your journey to getting diagnosed.

I am writing because I am very worried about the prices of medical equipment that people living with different forms of dementia need. Medical equipment used to diagnose and treat people with dementia will become more expensive and harder to find because of tariffs.

Please think about removing the tariffs that are making these tools cost more or become less available.

Thank you for listening.

Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]

Template for caregivers:

Dear President Trump,

My name is [Your Name], and I am a caregiver for a family member who has been diagnosed with [ ____ ]. I live in [state]. My address is:

I am writing to request that you remove the tariffs that are increasing the costs and accessibility of medical equipment that is important for diagnosing and treatment people with dementia.

**Share your story and your daily challenges. You could could consider talking about your family member's journey to getting diagnosed.

I am writing to ask for your help. Medical equipment used to diagnose and treat dementia may become more expensive and harder to access due to the tariffs.

This equipment is very important. It helps doctors understand what’s happening in the brain and gives people with dementia a better chance at getting the right care. When prices go up or supplies run low, it makes things even harder for families like mine.

Please consider removing the tariffs that are raising the cost of this medical equipment. People with dementia—and those who care for them—are already dealing with so much. We need your support.

Thank you for your time and understanding.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]