Representative Neal Dunn (R-FL) has introduced bipartisan legislation to improve the timeliness of Medicare services for patients.
Rep. Dunn's Ensuring Timely Access to Coverage Decisions Act increases stakeholder involvement, tightens rules on fulfilling requests on time, and creates a formal review process for reconsideration decisions.
The bill comes as a result of Medicare patients reporting that the local coverage determination process is frequently delayed, filled with red tape, vague, and lacking consistent standards.
"Americans on Medicare too often face unnecessary delays and red tape in seeking coverage determinations for needed care," said Rep. Dunn in a press release. "This bipartisan legislation will work to ensure patients receive timely coverage decisions and improve access to quality care."
Representative Nanette Barragan (D-CA), the bill's cosponsor, noted that "too often, seniors and people with disabilities face long delays or inconsistencies in Medicare covering innovative medical devices or treatments that could improve their quality of life." "That is why I am co-leading the bipartisan Timely Access to Coverage Decisions Act with Congressman Dunn and Congresswoman Tenney, which would make the Medicare coverage decision process more timely, transparent, and better backed by clinical expertise," she added.
In September, the Florida congressman introduced the Sickle Cell Disease Comprehensive Care Act, which allows states to develop State Plan Amendments (SPAs) establishing "Health Homes" for patients with sickle cell disease.
Additionally, states that establish sickle cell disease Health Homes will receive the federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) of 90% for 8 fiscal quarters to provide medically necessary services to patients.
"Coordinating care by establishing sickle cell disease health homes and streamlining care with a single team of providers will improve clinical outcomes for countless patients," Dunn described. "Crucially, streamlining care for patients with sickle cell disease on Medicaid will also save the program money."
