The National Home Infusion Association (NHIA) is praising bipartisan legislation that would ensure that Medicare patients continue gaining access to home infusion therapies that require the use of an infusion pump.
Last week, Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA) and Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) introduced the Preserving Patient Access to Home Infusion Act which would allow patients with serious viral and fungal infections, heart failure, immune diseases, cancer and other conditions to receive intravenous medication while at home.
“Americans deserve the flexibility needed to seek medical treatment from the comfort of their own home,” Scott said. “As we progress through the pandemic, high-risk patients who are more susceptible to contracting the coronavirus and other diseases should not be limited to hospital visits that could further risk their health. With the introduction of this bill, millions of Americans will be one step closer to having peace of mind as they seek life-saving treatment in their own homes.”
The 21st Century Cures Act established a Medicare home infusion benefit. But when the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services implemented the benefit, it required a face-to-face visit with a nurse and did not allow for remote visits by clinicians. As a result, participation in the benefit dropped significantly.
The legislation removes the physical presence requirement, ensuring payment regardless of whether a clinician is in a patient’s home.
This article originally appeared on McKnight's Senior Living
