Perspective               

Legislation to Cover Antibiotics for People with Original Medicare

An overwhelming number of older and disabled Americans with Medicare need prescription drugs. Original Medicare does not cover outpatient prescription drugs except in a few cases, such as certain cancer drugs. Medicare coverage of prescription drugs may soon expand, however. The Infectious Diseases Society of America, which represents more than 5,500 physicians and scientists, is urging Congress to pass legislation that will provide Medicare coverage for antibiotics that are self-administered at home.

The ISDA believes that, with minor modifications, the legislative change could help provide people with Medicare with outpatient antimicrobial infusion therapy that is safe, effective, less costly than hospital treatment, and used in the comfort of their own home.

According to an ISDA report, coverage of home-based drug infusion for antibiotics could save the Medicare program $5.3 billion over the next 10 years because it is less expensive than hospital-based treatment. ISDA also argues that expanding Medicare to include home antibiotic infusion is a common sense reform that will enhance the Medicare program and give people with Medicare access to the same therapies, safety, and convenience as in a hospital.

If Medicare does not cover the drugs you need or you have trouble paying for your prescription drugs, help is available. Some drug manufacturers have special programs for patients who meet certain criteria. To find out more about these programs, visit www.needymeds.com or call 202-835-3400. Some states also help older and disabled adults with low incomes pay for their prescription drugs. Call your State Health Insurance Assistance Program, or SHIP, for more information. The number is listed in Medicare & You.

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