This might be of interest and/or help for some members.

A Crisis Exists!

IVIG (or intravenous immunoglobulin) is a blood-derived product which is a lifesaving therapy for many autoimmune diseases, primary immune deficiencies, and neurological disorders as well as a number of other chronic conditions and illnesses. For many of these disorders, IVIG prevents life-threatening infections, paralysis, debilitating inflammation, pain and death.

Reimbursement changes for IVIG included in the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003 (MMA) dramatically impacted the estimated 30,000 Medicare beneficiaries who rely on IVIG as a chronic lifesaving therapy. For over three years now, Medicare beneficiaries who rely on IVIG have been shifted from one site of care to another—compromising their continuity of care and raising their concerns about whether or not they will be able to receive their treatment.

According to Center for Medicare/Medicaid Services (CMS) claims data, 42% of Medicare beneficiaries who had received their IVIG treatment in their physician’s office at the end of 2004 were shifted to the hospital outpatient setting by the beginning of 2006. Additionally, further reimbursement cuts that occurred at the beginning of 2008 in the hospital outpatient setting have begun to eliminate access to IVIG in the last site of care for many patients, the hospital, which has been considered a safety net for this community.

Take Action Today!

We have a small window of opportunity to have IVIG reform included in the Medicare package that is being drafted, but Senators need to hear from those directly impacted. It is important that the Senators hear from patients, family members, and healthcare providers who can speak directly to their experience with IVIG therapy and its impact on lives and patient well-being.

If you or a loved one has been impacted by the IVIG Medicare changes, please follow the link below to automatically send a personal e-mail to your U.S. Senator encouraging IVIG Medicare reform.

Remember to personalize the e-mail message by sharing your own story as an IVIG patient / family member / provider in your own words...it's much more effective!

Send a message to the Senate in support of including IVIG reform in the Medicare reform package!

https://secure2.convio.net/nea/site/...rAction&id=109

Thank you for helping to make a difference!