President Signs Steve Gleason Act into Law; Medicare Issues Revised Coverage Policy for Speech Generating Devices

Over the past year, several new Medicare policies limited the ability of people with ALS to freely access speech generating devices and eye tracking technology. These policies prohibited coverage for speech generating devices (SGDs) that provide access to non-speech technology such as email, Internet access and environmental controls.

New rental requirements also were introduced that resulted in Medicare ending payment for SGDs if a person was admitted to a hospital, nursing facility or hospice. Moreover, Medicare denied coverage for eye tracking technology, which is needed to access an SGD by those who have lost mobility in their arms and hands.

These Medicare polices have had a significant negative impact on the lives of people with ALS and their families who rely on SGDs not only to communicate but also to live as independently as possible as they fight this disease. However, the Steve Gleason Act and Medicare’s new coverage policy restore full access to SGDs and ensure people have access to the devices they need when and where they need them.

• The Steve Gleason Act: Eliminates the “capped rental” payment system to restore a person’s ability to purchase rather than rent an SGD. This means that people with ALS will continue to have access to an SGD if they are admitted a hospital, hospice or nursing facility. The legislation also explicitly provides coverage for eye tracking technology.

• National Coverage Determination (NCD) for SGDs: Medicare’s new SGD coverage policy expands coverage for SGDs to include coverage not only for speech functionality, but also other communications functions like email, text, and phone capability. The NCD also permits people with ALS to access at their own expense other non-speech technologies such as the Internet and environmental controls. Importantly, the NCD permits a person to “unlock” an SGD to access additional functions regardless of whether they own or rent the device.

Thanks to the Steve Gleason Act and the revised NCD, people with ALS will continue to have access to SGDs that play such a critical role in their lives and the lives of their families. Barbara J. Newhouse, President and CEO of The ALS Association made this statement regarding passage of the Steve Gleason Act:

The ALS Association is so proud of the work that was done to pass the Steve Gleason Act. We commend Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers, Congressmen Paulsen and Scalise, and Senator Vitter for their leadership and steadfast efforts to make sure this important legislation was presented and ultimately passed. We also applaud Steve Gleason for his efforts in leading this charge. He inspired legislative leaders, The ALS Association, the entire ALS community, and many other assistive technology groups and organizations to mobilize together to effect positive change for people fighting this terrible disease.

It is clear that together we have made a difference. Your outreach has helped to ensure people with ALS will continue to receive access to the highest quality of care and support they so rightly deserve.

Consider becoming an ALS advocate today by registering here: http://cqrcengage.com/alsa/app/register?0&m=11504.