U.S. Reps. María Elvira Salazar, R-Fla., and Chellie Pingree, D-Maine, have brought back a proposal that would allow “certain Medicare beneficiaries living with Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency…to receive essential augmentation infusions at home.”
Salazar reintroduced the “John W. Walsh Alpha-1 Home Infusion Act” with Pingree as the main co-sponsor. The South Florida Republicasn’s office offered some of the reasons for the proposal.
“Alpha-1, also known as genetic COPD, is a hereditary condition that, without treatment by FDA approved augmentation therapies, may result in serious lung disease in adults and/or liver disease in infants, children, and adults. Therapy slows but not reverses the progression of the lung destruction associated with this disorder,” the congresswoman’s office noted.
“Access to home-based care reduces healthcare costs while giving people dignity and peace of mind as they receive quality care in their home,” said Salazar. “I am proud to lead this legislation, which would make life easier for Medicare patients struggling with this rare genetic disease.”
“Despite being safe and effective, many immunocompromised Alpha-1 patients couldn’t access important therapies during the pandemic because of barriers to home infusion under Medicare,” said Pingree. “By making this small but impactful change in Medicare policy, our bipartisan John W. Walsh Alpha-1 Home Infusion Act will ensure home infusions are a permanent benefit for Medicare beneficiaries who suffer from this rare disorder.”
Seven other members of the U.S. House, including U.S. Reps. Bill Posey, R-Fla., and Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., are backing the proposal. The bill also has the support of the Alpha-1 Foundation.
Salazar’s proposal was sent to the U.S. House Energy and Commerce and the Ways and Means Committees. So far, there is no companion measure over in the U.S. Senate.
