Bill > HR76

This resolution urges the United States Congress to establish policies improving blood transfusion access for hospice patients with blood cancer. The resolution highlights that blood cancer affects blood cell production and includes three types: leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. Currently, Medicare reimburses hospice care at a flat daily rate that does not adequately cover blood transfusion costs, which can be expensive (approximately $2,388 per red blood cell unit, with most blood cancer patients needing two transfusions weekly). The resolution explains that blood transfusions for these patients are a palliative care measure intended to provide comfort and improve quality of life, not to extend lifespan, and are often misunderstood as treatment. Due to current Medicare reimbursement limitations, many patients do not seek hospice care and instead receive lower-quality end-of-life treatment. The resolution suggests that federal legislation should direct the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation to create a model allowing blood transfusions to be paid separately from standard hospice per diem payments. Ultimately, the resolution calls on Congress to change how blood transfusions are considered in hospice care and how providers are reimbursed, with the goal of improving end-of-life care for blood cancer patients.

Government Affairs

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=R&bn=76