WASHINGTON, D.C. – Reps. María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) and Chellie Pingree (D-ME) have reintroduced the John W. Walsh Alpha-1 Home Infusion Act. If passed, certain Medicare beneficiaries living with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency would be able to receive essential augmentation infusions at home.
“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 Rep. Salazar. “I am proud to lead this legislation, which would make life easier for Medicare patients struggling with this rare genetic disease.”
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.
“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 Rep. 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.”
“Thank you to Congresswoman Salazar for making this legislation a reality in the 118th congressional session. We are grateful for the reintroduction of The John W. Walsh Alpha-1 Home Infusion Act for patient access to home infusions for our rare disease community. The Alpha-1 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,” said Scott Santarella, President and CEO, Alpha-1 Foundation.
To learn more about the Alpha-1 Foundation’s advocacy efforts, please contact Jeanne at jkushner@alpha1.org.
The full text of the bill can be found here. For a one-pager on the bill, click here.
