Despite being helpful to patients at the end of life, blood transfusions for hospice patients with blood cancer are not reimbursed by Medicare. Because currently established Medicare reimbursement rates do not cover transfusion costs, many patients with blood cancer at the end of life are unable to transition to hospice for their care needs. Lack of transfusion coverage for patients with blood cancers in hospice can decrease both quality of care and quality of life, limits family resources, and increases cost burdens for families.  
 
For these reasons, we are introducing a resolution to urge Congress to establish policies to provide greater access to blood transfusions for hospice patients. Congress should consider bipartisan legislation already introduced, which creates an alternative reimbursement model that covers blood transfusions separately from Medicare's current per diem rate.  
 
Individuals with blood cancer deserve to receive the quality care they need. Please join us in urging Congress to take action to establish policies that would provide greater access to blood transfusions for hospice patients.