Bill > S3763

This bill, titled the "ALS Better Care Act," aims to improve Medicare coverage for individuals diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive and debilitating neurodegenerative disease. It proposes to amend the Social Security Act to include "ALS-related services" under Medicare, starting January 1, 2027. These services are defined as specialized physician or nurse practitioner support, occupational and physical therapy, speech pathology, dietary and respiratory support, registered nurse support, and coordination of durable medical equipment, all furnished in an outpatient setting by a qualified provider to a covered ALS individual. A "covered ALS individual" is someone medically determined to have ALS. The bill also establishes a new payment system for these services, with a base payment amount that will be adjusted annually and reviewed by the Comptroller General every three years to ensure it reflects the costs of these services. Importantly, this payment system will include adjustments for providers participating in clinical trials and for new medical services or technologies. The bill also mandates that payments be made on an assignment-related basis without any cost-sharing for patients, and it requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to report on challenges and potential legislative recommendations for ALS clinical trials.

Budget and Finance

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/3763/all-info