Beyond the Drip: NHIA CEO Connie Sullivan on Policy, Drug Pricing, and the Future of Home Infusion

Welcome to Beyond the Drip, where we dive into the fascinating world of Infusion Pharmacy, from Home Infusion to Ambulatory Infusion Centers. Expect topical conversations on the latest happenings in Infusion from industry leaders who will bring you the latest news, trends and innovations in the infusion industry, as well as expert insights and stories to keep you informed and inspired.        In this episode of Beyond the Drip, Jon Love and the crew sit down with returning guest Connie Sullivan, President & CEO of the National Home Infusion Association, for a grounded conversation on where the industry stands heading into 2026. From mounting pressure on drug pricing to the realities of Medicare coverage gaps, Connie breaks down the forces shaping access, reimbursement, and care delivery. The group also dives into the growing role of home infusion in rare disease treatment, what recent legislation does (and doesn’t) fix, and why providers still face complexity at every step of the revenue cycle. AI is everywhere—but where does it actually fit in infusion today? And what should providers be cautious about? If you’re trying to keep up with policy changes, payer dynamics, and the operational challenges behind the scenes, this episode brings clarity without the fluff.  Key Takeaways: The growing impact of drug pricing pressure—and how it’s creating instability across access, quality, and reimbursement models  Record attendance at NHIA’s conference and why this year’s sessions matter given rapid policy and regulatory changes  What the Joe Fiandra Act actually does—and why it doesn’t fully expand access due to structural limitations (like the pump requirement)  Why Medicare coverage remains a major barrier to home infusion, especially once patients turn 65  The shift toward treating rare diseases in the home—and how the industry has moved from debating safety to focusing on value and quality of life  Why infusion revenue cycle is uniquely complex, with no standardized rules and heavy front-end dependency  The role of advocacy: continuity across administrations, bipartisan support, and the growing influence of state-level action  AI’s practical role today—best suited for repetitive tasks, with real opportunity in helping providers better communicate clinical impact  The need to better articulate the value of pharmacists—not just tasks, but their direct impact on patient outcomes  Rising scrutiny of payers, vertical integration, and lack of competition—and what that could mean for future reform