IVIG Home Infusion/Medicare Part B Demonstration
November 13, 2023
The AAAAI and others expressed gratitude to authors of H.R. 3017, the PI Post Acute Access Act, which will allow Medicare beneficiaries with primary immunodeficiencies to access their lifesaving immunoglobulin (Ig) treatments when they require rehabilitation care in a skilled nursing facility (SNF). Read the letter.
May 25, 2023
The AAAAI endorsed H.R. 3017, the PI Post Acute Access Act, authored by Representatives Matsui (D-CA) and Smith (R-NE) to address a gap in access to intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment for Medicare beneficiaries. Read the letter.
December 14, 2021
The AAAAI with others wrote to Congressional leadership to stress the importance of the Orphan Drug Tax Credit (ODTC) for people and families living with autoimmune disease and urge them to protect the ODTC in the Build Back Better legislation.
September 29, 2020
The AAAAI joined letters to Congressional leadership and crucial House and Senate committees expressing ongoing commitment in support of H.R. 7839. This crucial bipartisan legislation is sponsored by Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA) and Congressman Kevin Brady (R-TX), and will ensure Medicare beneficiaries diagnosed with a primary immunodeficiency (PI) retain access to in-home administration of life-sustaining intravenous immunoglobulin (Ig) medications. It will do so by extending a previously enacted and once-extended demonstration project until December 31, 2022 at which time we hope a permanent Medicare benefit for this necessary service is in place.
July 30, 2020
Support for in-home IVIG infusion services
The AAAAI sent a letter to Representatives Brady and Matsui to express enthusiastic support for H.R. 7839, the Continuing Access to In-Home IVIG Act, legislation they have sponsored to ensure Medicare beneficiaries with PI diseases have access to the Medicare Part B home infusion benefit. The AAAAI is pleased to continue to support efforts on this important issue.
February 7, 2019
The AAAAI and others recently urged Congress to require that CMS provide meaningful coverage and reimbursement for each infusion day, during which intravenous and subcutaneous medications are administered in the home setting. Co-signers also expressed concern that the CMS interpretation of 21st Century Cures Act of 2016, and specifically the home infusion services payment structure, runs counter to Congress’ directive and could impair Medicare beneficiaries’ access to home infusion services. Read more.
September 5, 2017
The AAAAI sent letters to the Senate Finance Committee leadership in strong support of sections 101 and 102 of H.R. 3178, which would provide a temporary transition payment for home infusion therapy and would extend the Medicare Patient IVIG Access Demonstration Project. The Medicare IVIG Demonstration is scheduled to expire on September 30, 2017. You can read the letter here.
July 12, 2017
Last week, the House Ways and Means Committee advanced the Medicare Part B Improvement Act by voice vote. H.R. 3178, introduced by Chairman Kevin Brady (R-Texas) and Ranking Member Richard Neal (D-Mass.), a package that includes changes to the Medicare Part B home infusion and dialysis benefits.
The bill would extend a demonstration project that pays for in-home administration of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). The Medicare IVIG Demonstration Project provides for the enrollment of up to 4,000 Medicare beneficiaries to receive a per-visit payment amount for items and services needed for the in-home administration of IVIG. Under current law, the demonstration project would sunset on September 30, 2017.
H.R. 3178 will also create a transitional payment for providers of home infusion services. Under current law, Medicare payment for certain drugs like subcutaneous IG (SCIG) will be reduced before a new home infusion benefit covering nursing services will be implemented. This provision is intended to address the stopgap, and ensure that Medicare beneficiaries have the ability to receive treatment in the home setting and the choice to avoid the hospital when their immunity is at the lowest.
AAAAI sent a letter of support to the Committee, which was acknowledged and appreciated by lawmakers on the panel. You can read the letter here.
We will keep you updated as the bill moves to the House Energy and Commerce Committee soon.