Florida Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R) reintroduced the John W. Walsh Alpha-1 Home Infusion Act. Reintroducing it alongside Minnesota Rep. Chellie Pingree (D), the bill would benefit Medicare beneficiaries afflicted with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.
Should the bill pass, Medicare beneficiaries with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency would receive essential augmentation infusions at home. Alpha-1, which is also known as genetic COPD, is a hereditary condition that, if not treated by FDA approved augmentation therapies, could result in serious lung disease in adults. As well, infants, adults, and children could also suffer from liver disease.
Therapy slows the progression of the destruction of the lung, but it does not reverse it.
"Access to home-based care reduces healthcare costs while giving people dignity and peace of mind as they receive quality care in their home," Salazar said, praising the efforts of the bill. She added that the bill "would make life easier for Medicare patients struggling with this rare genetic disease."
Pingree further commented that "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.” “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,” Pingree added.
Scott Santarella, the President and CEO of the Alpha-1 Foundation, thanked Rep. Salazar for having made the bill "a reality" in the 118th congressional session.
Citing the Apha-1 Foundation's efforts, Santarella explained that the foundation "has worked tirelessly so that neither age nor disability will interfere with the continuation of care when transitioning to the Medicare system." "The John W. Walsh Alpha-1 Home Infusion Act will cement the next step forward in improving the lives of Alphas for generations to come, alleviating the burdens that comes with a diagnosis of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency and the resulting costs,” he added.
