MATSUI, SMITH UNVEIL BIPARTISAN BILL TO EXPAND ACCESS TO LIFE-SAVING IVIG TREATMENT

WASHINGTON D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA-07) and Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE-03) introduced the PI Post Acute Access Act to expand access to life-saving care for individuals with primary immunodeficiencies (PI). This bipartisan legislation would create a dedicated payment within Medicare for Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF) to provide intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatments onsite, ultimately preventing dangerous treatment delays, reduce avoidable hospitalizations, and ensure vulnerable patients get the care they need when and where they need it.

"Patients living with primary immunodeficiencies should not have to fight through red tape to get the care they need to stay healthy and safe. For many families, timely access to IVIG treatment can mean the difference between stability and a serious medical crisis," said Congresswoman Matsui. "I have long worked to protect access to these life-saving therapies, and the PI Post Acute Access Act builds on that commitment by helping ensure Medicare beneficiaries can continue receiving essential treatment in nursing facilities. No one should be left behind simply because of where they are receiving care."

"Outdated billing measures should not prevent vulnerable patients from receiving lifesaving care when and where they need it," said Congressman Smith. "I am proud to join Congresswoman Matsui in introducing our bipartisan PI Post Acute Access Act to cut red tape and ensure that PI patients have access to the critical care they need."

"For Medicare beneficiaries living with primary immunodeficiency, access to life-saving IVIG therapy should never depend on where they receive care," said Jorey Berry, President & CEO of the Immune Deficiency Foundation. "This bill ensures that patients who need skilled nursing services are not forced to choose between essential care and the medication they need to survive. By creating a targeted payment solution, Congress can protect a vulnerable group and uphold the promise of equitable access for all patients, including those living with a rare condition."

Click HERE to read the full text of the bill.

Congresswoman Matsui has been a longtime leader in expanding access to IVIG therapies for patients with primary immune deficiency diseases. In 2013, her bill, H.R. 1845, the Medicare IVIG Access Act, was signed into law to help Medicare beneficiaries receive these life-saving treatments in their homes. The PI Post Acute Access Act builds on that work by extending the same principle to SNFs, ensuring patients do not lose access to medically necessary IVIG treatment simply because their care setting changes.