Dingell Introduces Bill to Remove Financial Barriers for Hospice Patients

Today, U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) introduced the Improving Access to Transfusion Care for Hospice Patients Act, legislation requiring the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) to test a model under which blood transfusions furnished to an individual receiving hospice care are paid separately from the hospice all-inclusive per diem payment under Medicare.

"Patients at the end of life should never have to choose between the comfort of hospice care and the treatments that help them live with dignity. This bill removes financial barriers so more patients can access the compassionate, high-quality care they deserve," said Congresswoman Dingell.

The CMMI must evaluate the model by comparing patients participating in the model with those outside of the model in relation to specified metrics, such as hospital utilization and days of hospice care before the end of life.

"Blood transfusions are a critical source of comfort and quality of life for many patients receiving hospice care," said Kate Fry, CEO of America's Blood Centers. "This bipartisan legislation removes a financial barrier in the hospice benefit that too often forces patients to choose between hospice care and the transfusions they need. We thank Representative Dingell for championing this bill and for her continued leadership on issues that matter to blood donors and patients alike."

"The Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies is proud to support the Improving Access to Transfusion Care for Hospice Patients Act. Every patient deserves access to safe blood transfusions, regardless of where they are in their care journey. This bill removes a significant obstacle for patients relying on the Medicare hospice benefit," said Debra BenAvram, FASAE, CAE, CEO of AABB.

"We commend Congresswoman Dingell for introducing the Improving Access to Transfusion Care for Hospice Patients Act," said Robert Negrin, MD, president of the American Society of Hematology. "This bill addresses a longstanding gap in hospice care for patients with blood disorders by helping ensure they have access to critical transfusion support and comprehensive care."

U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen is leading companion legislation in the Senate.

View the bill text HERE.