WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) and Congressman Neal Dunn, M.D. (FL-02) introduced the Joe Fiandra Access to Home Infusion Act of 2023 to codify a proposed rule that would expand access to home infusion treatments by classifying certain approved drugs as Durable Medical Equipment (DME) and ensure that these life-saving treatments are covered under Medicare benefits. The bill is named for Joe Fiandra, a Warrington, PA resident, who was a proud Army veteran, and who sadly passed away in June 2022 due to amyloidosis.
“Our health care policies should expand, not restrict, access to life-saving treatments - including home infusions,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick. “I am proud to introduce this legislation in honor of my constituent, Joe Fiandra, to ensure that more patients have adequate access to and coverage for life-saving drugs.”
“Ensuring that seniors have access to infused medications in their home, when appropriate, is of paramount importance,” said Congressman Dunn. “Allowing at-home treatments to be covered by Medicare will save time and money, as well as allow families to care for their loved ones in the comfort of their own homes.”
In 2020, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services proposed a provision that would have clarified that the Home Infusion Therapy Benefit, which was passed as part of 21st Century Cures Act, was not limited to drugs that are self-administered. The provision would have enabled pump-administered drugs requiring some health care professional-administration to be covered for home infusion by Medicare. Several drugs used to treat rare diseases require health care professional administration through DME pumps.
The Joe Fiandra Access to Home Infusion Act of 2023 is supported by the Amyloidosis Support Group.
Read the text of the bill HERE.
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