New Plan Could Speed Medicare Coverage for Innovative Devices

Summary: Imagine needing a brand-new, life-saving medical gadget. Right now, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first has to make sure the device is safe. Then, Medicare has to decide if they will pay for it. This double-checking process can take years, leaving patients waiting.

To fix this, the government is launching a new plan called RAPID. RAPID allows device makers to work with Medicare much earlier in the process. By teaming up from the start, the goal is to get Medicare to cover these innovative devices almost as soon as they hit the market. While this could help patients get breakthrough treatments faster, it doesn't guarantee automatic payment. Some doctors also worry that rushing the process might lower the bar for safety. Currently, about 40 new devices might qualify for this fast-track program.

For more details, see rssapp-rheumatologyadvisor-com at rheumatologyadvisor.com/news/new-plan-could-speed-medicare-coverage-for-innovative-devices/ (opens in new tab)