Preserving Patient Access to Home Infusion Act
Preserving Patient Access to Home Infusion Act
Plain Language Summary
# Preserving Patient Access to Home Infusion Act - Summary **What the bill does:** This bill would expand Medicare coverage for home infusion therapy—medical treatment delivered intravenously in patients' homes rather than hospitals or clinics. Specifically, it would ensure that pharmacy services and certain intravenous drugs (those not requiring a mechanical pump) are covered under Medicare's home infusion benefit. The bill also allows nurses and physician assistants (not just doctors) to create and oversee treatment plans for these patients, and permits Medicare payment even when a healthcare provider isn't physically present during drug administration. **Who it affects:** Medicare beneficiaries who need ongoing intravenous treatments would benefit from expanded access and coverage options.
Healthcare providers—particularly nurses and physician assistants—would gain expanded authority to manage home infusion care. This could also affect home health agencies and pharmacies that provide these services. **Current status:** The bill was introduced in the 119th Congress by Senator Mark Warner (D-VA) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by either chamber of Congress.
CRS Official Summary
Preserving Patient Access to Home Infusion Act This bill specifically includes pharmacy services and home infusion drugs that are administered without a pump as part of covered home infusion therapy under Medicare. The bill also allows nurses and physician assistants to establish and review the plan of care for home infusion therapy, and it specifies that payment may be made regardless of whether a practitioner is physically present in the home at the time the drug is administered.
Latest Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.