[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 86 (Wednesday, May 22, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E657]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           RECOGNIZING THE MONTH OF MAY AS GBS/CIDP AWARENESS

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                          HON. EARL BLUMENAUER

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 22, 2019

  Mr. BLUMENAUER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the month of 
May as GBS/CIDP Awareness Month 2019 and ask my colleagues to join me 
in supporting the CIDP and MMN communities through cosponsoring the 
Medicare IVIG Access Enhancement Act.
  The bill Act would provide much-needed assistance to Medicare 
patients suffering from two rare diseases, Chronic Inflammatory 
Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP) and Multifocal Motor Neuropathy 
(MMN). These debilitating conditions are the result of a patient's own 
immune system attacking their motor nerves, leading to compromised 
mobility and reduced quality of life.
  Patients are frequently treated with intravenous immune globulin 
(IVIG), a plasma-derived medicine that can significantly improve health 
outcomes for these vulnerable patient populations. Given the mobility 
challenges associated with CIDP and MMN, treatment in the homes is the 
preferred site of care for many patients.
  I call on my colleagues to join me in supporting this important 
legislation by becoming a cosponsor. The establishment of a home 
infusion option for patients with CIDP and MMN will help promote 
therapy adherence, enhance quality of life and promote positive health 
outcomes for beneficiaries with CIDP and MMN.

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