Legislation would address a critical gap in the Medicare hospice benefit
Washington, DC – America’s Blood Centers (ABC), the national organization of community-based, independent blood centers that supply 60 percent of the nation’s blood supply, today applauds U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV), John Barrasso (R-WY), and Tammy Baldwin’s (D-WI) introduction of S.1936, the Improving Access to Transfusion Care for Hospice Patients Act. This bipartisan legislation addresses a gap in the Medicare hospice benefit by directing the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation to create a demonstration program that would allow reimbursement for palliative blood transfusions outside of the hospice bundle.
“Blood transfusions are a proven palliative measure that can significantly enhance the quality of life for many patients,” said Kate Fry, CEO of America’s Blood Centers. “This legislation bridges a gap in care, ensuring patients can receive transfusions while also benefiting from the holistic support provided under the Medicare hospice benefit. It’s a compassionate step forward in patient-centered care that recognizes the complex needs of those navigating serious illnesses.”
Currently, individuals requiring regular transfusions to maintain their quality of life, such as those battling leukemia, lymphoma, or myeloma, face significant hurdles to find a hospice provide that would allow them to continue these transfusions while accessing hospice care. As a result, many patients are forced to choose to delay or forgo entering hospice, potentially missing out on valuable end-of-life care for fear of losing access to essential transfusion services.
This legislation acknowledges the critical role of transfusion services in maintaining the well-being and quality of life for patients with certain medical conditions. By carving out payment for transfusions, this bill allows hospice patients to continue receiving these life-sustaining treatments while benefiting from comprehensive hospice care. ABC aims to ensure that hospice patients have equal access to essential treatments, enabling them to receive comprehensive end-of-life care without sacrificing vital transfusions.
Founded in 1962, America’s Blood Centers (ABC) is the national organization bringing together community-based, independent blood centers across North America. These organizations operate in more than 1,100 communities and provide close to 60 percent of the U.S. and a quarter of the Canadian blood supply. ABC member organizations serve more than 150 million people and provide blood products and services to more than 3,500 hospitals and healthcare facilities. All ABC U.S. members are 501(c)(3) organizations licensed and regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or Health Canada. For more information, visit www.AmericasBlood.org.
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