House Bill Would Require CMS to Reverse ESA Decision

On September 27th, Representatives Anna Eshoo (D-CA) and Mike Rogers (R-MI) introduced legislation (HR Res 54) that would reverse a CMS decision limiting Medicare coverage for erythropoiesis stimulating agents (ESAs).  In July, CMS issued a "national coverage determination" announcing that Medicare would cover the use of ESAs to treat anemia caused by chemotherapy but not anemia caused by cancer.  Earlier this year, 235 House members signed a letter to CMS citing concern that the recent decision would force more cancer patients to receive blood transfusions if access to ESAs is limited which could lead to shortages in the country's blood supply.  CMS has said they will not revise their decision without additional evidence.

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