Medicare-funded home infusion therapy provided under Buchanan, Upton bill

A bipartisan bill introduced on Aug. 20 by U.S. Reps. Vern Buchanan (R-FL) and Fred Upton (R-MI) would ensure the at-home provision of intravenous medications for patients having cancer, immune diseases, serious infections, heart failure, and other conditions.

The Preserving Patient Access to Home Infusion Act, H.R. 5067, which is sponsored by U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (D-AL), would amend the Social Security Act to clarify congressional intent and preserve patient access to home infusion therapy under the Medicare program, according to the text of the bill. U.S. Sens. Tim Scott (R-SC) and Mark Warner (D-VA) on Aug. 5 introduced the companion bill, S. 2652, in their chamber.

“As we have learned from the coronavirus pandemic, home health services have proven to be invaluable for seniors in my district and across the country,” Rep. Buchanan said. “The aptly-named 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 of their own home.”

If enacted, the bill would provide technical clarifications to remove the physical presence requirement so that payment is made regardless of whether a healthcare professional is present in the patient’s home. The legislation also would acknowledge the full scope of professional services provided in home infusion — including essential pharmacist services — into the reimbursement structure, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers.

“While the COVID-19 pandemic certainly took so much from so many, it also gave us the opportunity to rethink the way that we care for the most vulnerable among us,” said Rep. Upton. “Home infusion, in particular, is a perfect example of how we can bring healthcare services into folks’ homes while keeping both patients, their families and medical professionals safe and healthy.”

The legislation is endorsed by the National Home Infusion Therapy Association and Vital Care Infusion Services.