Stakeholders: Expand home infusion benefit during coronavirus

WASHINGTON - More than 160 hospitals, patient groups and other stakeholders have announced their support for “concept legislation” that would cover home infusion equipment, supplies and professional services during the coronavirus pandemic. Per the legislation, Medicare coverage of all essential elements of home infusion would be provided for all drugs, including those billed to the Medicare Part D program, upon receipt of a physician order. Qualifying providers would include a hospital, physician, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, home health agency, home infusion pharmacy, and durable medical equipment supplier. The legislation would also: reimburse providers for infusion services in the home at the same rate as for drug administration in hospital outpatient departments; and maintain current drug and home health reimbursement. “There are millions of Medicare patients with underlying health conditions who require ongoing access to infused or injected medications,” said Connie Sullivan, president & CEO of the National Home Infusion Association, one of the stakeholders supporting the legislation. “Unfortunately, due to Medicare's limited home infusion benefit, treating these patients at home is often not an option. To protect these individuals, it is critical that they can access their medicines in the home setting to avoid putting themselves at risk.” Other stakeholders supporting the legislation include: the ALS Association, Partners Healthcare System, Massachusetts General Hospital and the National Association for Home Care & Hospice. More than 200 members of Congress have also signed letters calling on HHS and CMS to lift restrictions on home infusion during the pandemic.