North Miami-Dade News

Reps. María Elvira Salazar and Chellie Pingree have reintroduced the John W. Walsh Alpha-1 Home Infusion Act, aimed at expanding home infusion access for certain Medicare beneficiaries with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency. Original cosponsors of the bill include Reps. Chris Smith, Hank Johnson, Burgess Owens, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Young Kim, David Rouzer, and Paul Tonko.

Rep. Salazar emphasized the benefits of home-based care, stating, "Access to home-based care reduces healthcare costs while giving people dignity and peace of mind as they receive quality care in their home. I am proud to lead this legislation, which would make life easier for Medicare patients struggling with this rare genetic disease."

Alpha-1, also referred to as genetic COPD, is a hereditary condition that could lead to severe lung and liver disease without FDA-approved augmentation therapies. These therapies help in slowing down the damage to the lungs, though they cannot reverse it.

Rep. Pingree highlighted the impact of Medicare restrictions: "Many immunocompromised Alpha-1 patients were unable to access critical, safe, and effective therapies during the pandemic due to outdated Medicare restrictions on home infusion. The bipartisan John W. Walsh Alpha-1 Home Infusion Act will ensure that patients living with Alpha-1 can receive the life-saving care they need—comfortably and affordably at home."

Scott Santarella, President and CEO of the Alpha-1 Foundation, expressed gratitude for the bill's reintroduction: "Thank you to Congresswoman Salazar for making this legislation a reality in the 119th congressional session. The John W. Walsh Alpha-1 Home Infusion Act will cement the next step forward in improving the lives of Alphas for generations to come, alleviating the burdens that come with a diagnosis of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency and the resulting costs."

Rep. Maria Salazar has also been noted for her efforts in rare disease and mental health legislation, having previously introduced the Summer Barrow Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Act. The full text of the bill is available online for those interested in further details.