Comment from Taylor, Diane , Drexel University College of Medicine

As a professional working with adult patients with Cystic Fibrosis, I find these changes to be extremely concerning. The Cystic Fibrosis multi-disciplinary teams work hard to provide care outside of the hospital to accommodate patient needs, improve and maintain quality of life and keep healthcare expenses down. Outpatient treatment of a Cystic Fibrosis exacerbation is intensive and includes but is not limited to, oral, nebulized, intravenous antibiotics and other CF medications and increased airway clearance. Treatments typically take patients 2-3 hours daily to administer. The proposed changes would ultimately cause greater strain on our system. I have seen firsthand what patients fighting this disease must do when they are denied benefits, they are forced to go without medications, treatments and other basic necessities, causing frequent emergency room visits, longer hospitalizations and potentially creating additional health problems.