The National Hemophilia Foundation is pleased to endorse The Hemophilia SNF Access Act, critical legislation that will rectify a long-standing problem of Medicare beneficiaries with hemophilia and other bleeding disorders being able to access skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). NHF has heard from many community members over the years about challenges accessing SNF facilities due to the way that Medicare reimburses bleeding disorders treatments.
The legislation, introduced in the Senate (S. 3233) by Senators Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Michael Enzi (R-WY) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and in the House (HR 5952) by Representatives Darin LaHood (R-IL), Brian Higgins (D-NY), Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), is the culmination of years of continued efforts by NHF and other bleeding disorders organizations.
“Access to skilled nursing facilities is critical for Medicare beneficiaries with bleeding disorders and we have been advocating to improve access for many years,” said Michelle Rice, Chief External Affairs Officer for the National Hemophilia Foundation. “NHF applauds Senators Menendez, Enzi and Whitehouse and Representatives LaHood, Higgins, Dingell and Bilirakis for their leadership in introducing this legislation that will improve care for hundreds of people with bleeding disorders in the US – and remove some of the strain on taxpayers.”
The bill will be a top talking point for the approximately 450 volunteer advocates with bleeding disorders who will be visiting with their legislators at NHF’s advocacy event, Washington Days on February 28th.
“We hope that together, we’ll be able to convince Congress to take action on this bill. It may seem small, but it has the ability to have a big impact on people’s lives,” said Rice.
Read letters of endorsement sent by the national bleeding disorders organizations in support of the House and Senate bills.
