Support HR 2343: John W. Walsh Home Infusion Bill

H.R. 2343: The John W. Walsh Alpha-1 Home Infusion Act

The Alpha-1 Foundation is working with Congress to find a solution to the patient access problem facing Medicare beneficiaries who are not able to obtain their needed home infusions due to the Medicare law. The legislation named after our legendary founder

John W. Walsh will establish a permanent home infusion benefit in the Medicare Part B program specifically for Alpha-1 patients. The lead sponsors of this legislative initiative is Representative Maria Salazar (R-FL) and Representative Chellie Pingree (D-ME) Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency is a hereditary condition. Without treatment, this condition may result in serious lung disease in adults and/or liver disease in infants, children, and adults. Because Alpha-1 is genetic, Alpha-1 lung disease is sometimes called “genetic COPD”. Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency is treated by FDA approved augmentation therapies. Therapy slows but not reverses the progression of the lung destruction associated with the disorder. Alpha-1 patients need weekly infusions of their replacement therapy.