[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 89 (Tuesday, June 5, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1191]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HOME INFUSION THERAPY COVERAGE ACT OF 2007

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                          HON. ELIOT L. ENGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 5, 2007

  Mr. ENGEL. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to join with my colleagues Kay 
Granger, Tammy Baldwin, Chip Pickering and Randy Kuhl in introducing 
the ``Home Infusion Therapy Coverage Act of 2007''. This bill would 
correct long-standing gaps in Medicare coverage for home infusion 
therapy, and will enable thousands of beneficiaries to obtain these 
often life-saving therapies in the most convenient and cost-effective 
setting--their homes.
  Currently, most beneficiaries who have severe infections, cancer, 
congestive heart disease or numerous other diagnoses for which infusion 
therapy is the clear state-of-the-art treatment must be admitted into 
hospitals or nursing homes to receive this care. This is most 
unfortunate, Mr. Speaker. The private sector recognizes the clinical 
value and cost-effectiveness of home infusion therapy, and as a result 
full and proper coverage of home infusion therapy is commonplace among 
private payers. Medicare stands virtually alone in its antiquated 
coverage policies that discourage the use of a therapy that in 
actuality should be promoted for its cost savings and convenience.
  Home infusion therapy requires the coordination of professional 
services, supplies and equipment to safely and effectively administer 
infusion drugs. Part D, the outpatient prescription drug benefit, 
covers most infusion drugs, but does not cover these services, supplies 
and equipment necessary to provide infusion therapy in the home. As a 
result, Part D coverage of home infusion falls far short of its 
potential to keep patients out of hospitals and nursing homes. Many 
beneficiaries must pay for the infusion services, supplies and 
equipment with out-of-pocket funds and most cannot afford this expense. 
Their only other realistic option is to obtain their care in a hospital 
or nursing home at a much higher cost burden to our Nation's healthcare 
system. The clear result is that access to home infusion therapy, 
despite its potential for cost savings and good clinical outcomes, is 
needlessly limited.
  Our bill is very simple in its approach. It would institute coverage 
for the home infusion-related services, supplies and equipment under 
Part B, while maintaining coverage of the drugs themselves under Part 
D. Medicare Part B clearly is the most appropriate part of the Medicare 
program for coverage of the non-drug components of the therapy. In 
addition, the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services 
would apply quality standards that are consistent with the private 
sector's community standard of care. Both beneficiaries and the 
Medicare program itself would reap the benefits of broader access to 
these important medical treatments in the home.
  I would like to note that this legislation is strongly supported by a 
broad coalition of infusion therapy stakeholders, including patient 
organizations, infusion pharmacies, infectious disease physicians, and 
manufacturers of infusion drugs. Along with my colleagues, I urge early 
consideration of this long-overdue bill.

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