WASHINGTON, D.C. – AAHomecare joined with 66 other stakeholder groups to urge CMS to create a timely, streamlined pathway for Medicare patients to access FDA-authorized breakthrough medical technology.

The letter to CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz, spearheaded by medical technology association AdvaMed, highlights the disconnect between the rapid pace of advances in medical technologies and the frustrating delays in gaining coverage for their use:

“Despite this remarkable impact and the continuous pace of innovation, Medicare patients face a significant and unacceptable barrier to accessing innovative medical technology. A recent study alarmingly revealed that for technologies requiring a new reimbursement pathway, nearly six years passed between FDA market authorization and Medicare coverage. Patients should not be forced to wait the better part of a decade for access to safe and effective medical technology that holds the potential to meaningfully improve their health and life.”

The letter goes on to assert that a streamlined, predictable Medicare coverage pathway for medtech the FDA has deemed useful, safe, and effective would “demonstrate CMS’ commitment to patient-centered care and ensure that Medicare beneficiaries can benefit from the rapid advancements in medtech without unnecessary delays, helping make for a stronger, healthier country.”

The Ensuring Patient Access to Critical Breakthrough Products Act (S. 1717), legislation to accelerate Medicare coverage for these advanced healthcare technologies, was introduced in the Senate on May 12.

See the letter and full list of supporting organizations here.