To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide coverage of ALS-related services under the Medicare program for individuals diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and for other purposes.
About This Bill
Committee
Latest Action · November 8, 2023
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
The ALS Better Care Act expands Medicare coverage for comprehensive treatment services for patients diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a progressive neurodegenerative disease. Starting January 1, 2025, Medicare will make a single payment of $800 per visit to qualified ALS clinics and providers for care coordination and specialized services including physician support, physical therapy, speech pathology, occupational therapy, respiratory support, and equipment coordination. The bill requires the Comptroller General to submit a report by January 2025 recommending appropriate payment rates based on actual costs, with payments adjusted annually for inflation and recalibrated every three years to account for new technologies and services. Providers participating in ALS clinical trials receive additional payment adjustments to cover their increased research costs, and the bill requires a separate report on challenges facing ALS clinical trial administration and staffing within 90 days of enactment. The legislation particularly emphasizes expanding telehealth access for patients in rural areas and aims to improve facility investment in ALS research and innovation by ensuring adequate reimbursement.
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