US Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), co-chairs of the Senate Artificial Intelligence Caucus, today introduced legislation aimed at improving health outcomes for Medicare patients by encouraging the use of cutting-edge, artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled medical devices. The Health Tech Investment Act establishes a consistent and predictable Medicare payment pathway for these technologies, providing patients with earlier and more accurate diagnoses.
“Medicare patients deserve access to the life-changing care that artificial intelligence-enabled devices can offer,” said Rounds. “There is currently no clear Medicare payment system for these devices, meaning that it can take years to be approved and paid out by Medicare accurately. This legislation would create that system, improving diagnoses and encouraging the adoption of AI devices in clinical settings.”
“I’m proud to cosponsor legislation that expands Medicare coverage of new technologies and helps New Mexicans get the best, most affordable high-quality care they need when they need it,” said Heinrich.
“Too often the prolonged pathway to coverage for medical devices and technology delays patient access to the critical care they need,” said Randall Rutta, CEO of the National Health Council. “This issue has intensified as the pace of innovation has increased. The National Health Council is pleased to support the Health Tech Investment Act to help patients gain timely access innovative health solutions.”
“Senator Rounds’ legislation to create a Medicare coverage pathway for AI-enabled medical devices will be an important development for cancer patients in South Dakota,” said Jane Veerman, an oncology clinical research nurse at Sanford Health. “Patients in rural regions of the country are too often the last to be able to access medical innovation since too many rural providers lack the resources to invest in innovative technologies. Senator Rounds’ bill would give Medicare patients certainty that their hospitals and physician offices would be reimbursed for investing in AI-enabled technologies and bringing them to patient care.” Senator Mike Rounds