U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-FL) recently introduced bipartisan legislation to ensure that patients under Medicare suffering from serious medical conditions can receive intravenous medications while at home.
“Home health services are invaluable for the nearly 200,000 seniors in my district and anyone in need of accessible, convenient care,” Rep. Buchanan said.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) improperly implemented the benefit for Medicare Part B home infusion drugs by requiring a nurse to be present in the patient’s home for providers to be reimbursed, according to Rep. Buchanan’s office. This rule went against congressional intent, and has resulted in a decline in provider participation in Medicare’s home infusion benefit, his office said.
To rectify that, the congressman introduced the Preserving Patient Access to Home Infusion Act along with U.S. Reps. Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Dianna Harshbarger (R-TN), and Terri Sewell (D-AL). The bill would amend the Social Security Act to clarify congressional intent and preserve patient access to home infusion therapy under the Medicare program. Payment would be ensured regardless of whether a health care professional was present in the patient’s home. The bill also would incorporate a fuller scope of professional services provided in home infusion into the reimbursement structure.
“The Preserving Patient Access to Home Infusion Act will ensure that Medicare recipients are able to continue to receive life-saving drugs in a safe and effective way from the comfort and convenience of their own home,” Rep. Buchanan said.
Companion legislation was introduced by U.S. Sens. Mark Warner (D-VA) and Tim Scott (R-SC) in the Senate on March 13 as S. 1058.
“This legislation would ensure that millions of Americans who suffer from life threatening conditions such as immune diseases, cancer, serious infections, and heart failure can receive the care they need without having to make frequent, sometimes costly trips to the hospital,” Sen. Warner said.
Rep. Buchanan’s bill is supported by numerous leading health care stakeholders.
“We applaud Congressman Buchanan and the other bill sponsors for their leadership in advancing legislation that ensures Medicare patients have access to home infusion therapy,” Connie Sullivan, president and CEO of the National Home Infusion Association, said. “By reducing unnecessary facility stays, overcoming transportation challenges, and expanding access in rural areas, this legislation takes a critical step toward ensuring Medicare beneficiaries can receive high-quality infusion care where they prefer—at home.”