Senators Propose Bill That Would Let Patients Self-Pay for Medical Devices
Several U.S. Senators have introduced a bill that would give patients the option to pay for medical devices themselves – rather than going through the Medicare process.
The bill would help ensure doctors and patients have access to the latest innovative medical technologies. Called the Accelerating Innovation in Medicine (AIM) Act, the proposed legislation is supported by the AIM Alliance, a group of doctors, patient advocacy organizations and medical device manufacturers.
“The newest, most innovative medical technologies are often subject to limited coverage or inadequate reimbursement under Medicare, especially when these products and procedures warrant greater reimbursement than Medicare will offer,” the AIM Alliance said in a prepared statement. “If a Medicare beneficiary is interested in self-paying for a new device or procedure that is not covered by Medicare, there are currently significant administrative obstacles.”
The bill was introduced by U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), John Thune (R-S.D.), and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.).
The bill would help ensure doctors and patients have access to the latest innovative medical technologies.
“Streamlining the process for patients to purchase FDA-approved medical devices enhances treatment options in the short term, and has the potential to improve health outcomes, yielding long-term benefits for seniors,” Heinrich said.
Full article by Jack McCarthy, Government Health IT
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