Children with primary immune deficiency receive intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) also known as gammaglobulin infusions frequently. IVIG is obtained from blood donors and it contains antibodies from the donors functioning immune system. Antibodies help fight infections…
Andy used to receive IVIG every two to three weeks.
Turns out that many children that use Medicare in the United States have not been able to receive their IVIG because Medicare is not paying enough to the hospitals and infusion centers that provide the life saving infusions. Medicare is paying the providers below the cost of the product… and it’s a very expensive product…
I heard that private insurance has begun to follow Medicare’s pricing guides including Blue Cross and Blue Shield in some states.
Restore access to IVIG in all sites of care for Medicare Recipients
The Immune Deficiency Foundation has an online advocacy program that allows you to send a personal message to members of the US Congress.
If you would like to help visit this website.
Can you be more specific about the insurers you suspect or believe are reducing their allowable charges to the below-cost rates for IVIG under Medicare?
Thank you!