The Alpha-1 Foundation has sent letters to the United States Senate and House of Representatives requesting that intravenous infusions of alpha-1 antitrypsin augmentation therapy be released from the prohibition of home infusions and that CMS covers both the medication and its administration at home as it currently does for administration in healthcare facilities. Under current Medicare Part B rules, the weekly infusions can only be performed in the hospital or a physician’s office.
“People with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency need to take extra precautions with their health every day to ensure that they are not exposed to viruses” notes Miriam O’Day, President and CEO of the Alpha-1 Foundation. “This means that now in the face of a pandemic they have to take extreme precautions. Alphas urgently need a home infusion option under Medicare Part B so that they can reduce exposure to the coronavirus by being treated in their home.”
The US COPD Coalition supports the Alpha-1 Foundation’s request for a suspension of the infusion rule, and joins them is asking individuals to reach out to their members of Congress to request this waiver.
Click on the links below to read the House and Senate Letters: