hold on there's just too much going on in Congress lmao...
Expands Medicare to cover specific ALS-related medical services.
Introduced by Reps. Schakowsky (D-IL), Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Crow (D-CO), Quigley (D-IL).
Introduced in House, referred to committees.
This bill amends the Social Security Act to expand Medicare coverage, beginning January 1, 2027, for a specific set of outpatient services tailored for individuals diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). These services include specialized physician and nurse practitioner support, various therapies, and coordination of durable medical equipment, all with no cost sharing for the patient. The bill also establishes a new payment system for providers and mandates a report on challenges in ALS clinical trials. It was introduced by a bipartisan group of House Representatives including Ms. Schakowsky (D-IL) and Mr. Fitzpatrick (R-PA). Currently, the bill is in the initial stages, having been referred to House committees for review.
Introduced Feb 3, 2026
The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on February 3, 2026. It has been referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Committee on Ways and Means for consideration. For the bill to become law, it must pass both the House and Senate, and then be signed by the President. Committee review is the necessary next step before it can be considered for a vote by the full House.
If this bill becomes law, starting January 1, 2027, Medicare beneficiaries diagnosed with ALS would have access to a specific set of outpatient services, such as specialized physician, nursing, and various therapy supports. A new payment system would be established, paying qualified providers a single amount for these services, starting at $800 per visit, with no co-payments or deductibles for the patient. Healthcare providers participating in ALS clinical trials might receive additional payments to help cover their increased costs. The government will also study and report on issues affecting ALS clinical trials, potentially improving future research efforts.
Supporters Say
Proponents argue current Medicare funding for ALS care is insufficient, leading to poor access and hindering innovation.
Critics Say
The bill text does not specify criticisms, but similar proposals may raise concerns about federal spending.
The bill's findings highlight that current Medicare reimbursement for ALS services is inadequate, causing long patient wait times, impeding treatment innovation, and making specialized care difficult for rural residents. Supporters believe the new payment system would improve access, encourage research, and ultimately enhance treatment outcomes and quality of life for ALS patients. The bill text itself does not present opposing viewpoints, but generally, expansions of federal programs like Medicare can prompt discussions regarding their budgetary impact or the administrative complexities of implementation.