Early September, Alpha-1 Foundation (A1F) advocates from across the country gathered in Washington, DC, for a Lobby Day bringing the Alpha-1 community’s lived experience directly to Capitol Hill. Over two packed days, volunteer advocates met with more than 75 congressional offices to advance two priorities: permanent Medicare coverage of home infusion for Alpha-1 augmentation therapy and stronger access to supplemental oxygen, including liquid oxygen, for those who need it most.
Advocates urged support for H.R. 2343, the John W. Walsh Alpha-1 Home Infusion Act of 2025, which would make at-home augmentation therapy a permanent Medicare Part B benefit for eligible Alpha-1 beneficiaries. The bill is a priority in the 119th Congress and, as of September 25, 2025, has 30 cosponsors and bipartisan momentum in the House. Reps. María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) and Chellie Pingree (D-ME) reintroduced the John W. Walsh Alpha-1 Home Infusion Act in March 2025. The legislation would allow eligible Medicare beneficiaries with Alpha-1 to receive their weekly augmentation infusions at home under qualified home infusion suppliers and clinical oversight paralleling coverage that many already experience under commercial plans, TRICARE, and Medicaid. Today, too many patients are forced to leave home for clinic or hospital infusions only after they age into Medicare.
“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 Representative Maria Elvira Salazar. “I am proud to lead this legislation, which would make life easier for Medicare patients struggling with this rare genetic disease.”
Named for our community’s tireless champion John W. Walsh, H.R. 2343 ensures Medicare covers home infusions for Alpha-1 augmentation. Now is the time to ask your Representative to cosponsor. Take action with one click via the Foundation’s Advocacy platform: https://mstr.app/15ab3afd-10c4-4ffd-8fc6-239cbbc7823e
Advocates also pressed for H.R. 2902, the Supplemental Oxygen Access Reform (SOAR) Act of 2025, to improve access to oxygen. The bill increases payment for liquid oxygen and recognizes a home visit by a respiratory therapist as an essential part of patient education. The bill would remove oxygen from Medicare’s competitive bidding program beginning January 1, 2026, update payment policy, and protect beneficiary choice and access. As of September 25, 2025, H.R. 2902 has 24 cosponsors and bipartisan support; a Senate companion (S. 1406) is led by Senators Bill Cassidy, Mark Warner, and Amy Klobuchar.
“When Alphas sit across from lawmakers and staff, policy turns into people. Our stories cut through the noise and this year, we saw offices move from listening to leaning in.” Daniel Grimm, Alpha-1 Foundation Patient Advocate.
On September 8, A1F co-hosted with the Critical Path Institute the CPA-1 workshop, “Shaping the Future of AATD: Patient Perspectives to Drive the Next Decade of Innovation.” Patients, caregivers, clinicians, researchers, industry, and regulators explored pathways to regulatory-accepted tools and endpoints to accelerate therapy development for Alpha-1. CPA-1’s mission is to deliver actionable, regulator-ready solutions through a public-private partnership.
A1F remains steadfast: by pairing evidence-based policy with patient-powered advocacy, we are driving tangible changes in Medicare coverage and catalyzing innovation for our community.
Get involved: Join our advocacy network by contacting Jeanne Kushner, Senior Director of Communications & Policy, at jkushner@alpha1.org.
It is very important that Medicare approve in home infusions. It is a live altering treatment. It will help many patients who have no other alternative.