ALS Better Care Act

This bill would add outpatient ALS-related services to Medicare coverage for people diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, starting January 1, 2027. Covered services include physician or nurse practitioner support, occupational, speech, and physical therapy, dietary and respiratory support, registered nurse support, and coordination of medical equipment. Medicare would pay qualified providers a single per-visit payment of $800 in 2027, adjusted in later years based on cost increases and reports from the Comptroller General, with no cost sharing for patients. Providers taking part in ALS clinical trials would receive a payment adjustment. The bill also requires the National Institutes of Health to report to Congress within 90 days on staffing and administration challenges in ALS clinical trials.

Full text and official record on Congress.gov

Sponsors

• Janice D. Schakowsky Democrat sponsor
• 14 cosponsors