Manatee Review

Congressman Vern Buchanan, serving as Vice Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee and Chair of the Health Subcommittee, has introduced a bipartisan bill aimed at expanding Medicare home infusion therapy benefits. The legislation, named the Preserving Patient Access to Home Infusion Act, is co-sponsored by Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.), Dianna Harshbarger (R-Tenn.), and Terri Sewell (D-Ala.). Senators Mark Warner (D-Va.) and Tim Scott (R-S.C.) will introduce a companion bill in the Senate.

Buchanan stated, "Home health services are invaluable for the nearly 200,000 seniors in my district and anyone in need of accessible, convenient care." He emphasized that the bill ensures Medicare recipients can receive life-saving drugs at home safely and effectively.

Senator Warner remarked on the importance of receiving care at home: “We have seen for years that patients are better off when they can receive quality care from the comfort of their own homes.” Senator Scott added that this approach reduces unnecessary hospital visits: “This legislation takes a commonsense approach to implementing necessary reforms so Medicare recipients can continue receiving critical treatment from the comfort and safety of their homes without a costly hospital visit.”

The proposed legislation addresses issues with how the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) implemented benefits for Medicare Part B home infusion drugs. CMS requires a nurse's physical presence in a patient's home for reimbursement, limiting provider participation. Buchanan’s bill seeks to remove this requirement and incorporate pharmacist services into reimbursement structures.

Rep. Dingell highlighted cost savings: “Expanding at-home care not only enhances patient comfort but also offers substantial cost savings for both patients and providers.” Rep. Harshbarger shared her support based on her experience as a pharmacist: “Receiving medical care—especially infusion-based treatments—is already daunting enough as it is.” Rep. Sewell stressed accessibility for rural communities: “I am proud to introduce this bipartisan bill allowing countless Alabamians, especially those in rural communities, access to reliable home infusion services for life-saving care.”

Numerous healthcare organizations support Buchanan’s legislation. Connie Sullivan, President and CEO of the National Home Infusion Association, praised its potential impact on patient access to IV treatments: “By reducing unnecessary facility stays, overcoming transportation challenges, and expanding access in rural areas, this legislation takes a critical step toward ensuring Medicare beneficiaries can receive high-quality infusion care where they prefer—at home.” John C. Rademacher from Option Care Health echoed these sentiments.

The bill represents Buchanan's ongoing efforts to expand healthcare options. He recently introduced other health-related bills including those focused on telehealth services and lung cancer screening.