U.S. Rep. María Elvira Salazar, R-Fla., is championing a proposal to “allow Medicare beneficiaries struggling with the hereditary alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency condition, or alpha-1 patients, to receive essential augmentation infusions at home.”
Last week, with the support of U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree, D-Maine, Salazar brought out the “John W. Walsh Alpha-1 Home Infusion Act” and the South Florida congresswoman’s office offered some of the reasons why she introduced it.
“Alpha-1 patients struggle with 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,” Salazar’s office noted.
“There is no doubt this small change in Medicare policy, which allows for the delivery of critical in home infusions as we continue adapting to new and wise public health advice, will have a significant impact on the Medicare beneficiaries who struggle with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. I am proud to lead this legislation which will make life easier for people at high risk of developing lung and/or liver disease due to this rare genetic disease,” said Salazar.
“During the pandemic, many immunocompromised Alpha-1 patients couldn’t access important therapies because of barriers to home infusion under Medicare, despite being safe and effective” said Pingree. “I’m proud to join Congresswoman Salazar in this effort to ensure home infusions are a permanent benefit for Medicare beneficiaries who suffer from this rare disorder.”
The bill has the support of the Alpha-1 Foundation.
Salazar’s bill was sent to the U.S. House Energy and Commerce and the Ways and Means Committees. So far, there is no companion measure in the U.S. Senate.
