Dr. Joyce Introduces Legislation to Improve Access to AI Healthcare Devices

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13), Congressman Scott Peters (CA-50), Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne (TX-24), Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10), Congressman Jay Obernolte (CA-23) and Congresswoman Angie Craig (MN-02) introduced the Health Tech Investment Act.

This bipartisan legislation would assign all U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved artificial intelligence(AI)-enabled devices to a New Technology Ambulatory Payment Classification (APC) in the Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) for a minimum of five years to ensure that necessary data surrounding delivery and service costs is acquired before a permanent payment code is assigned.

Ensuring that AI-enabled devices receive an accurate payment code under the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will encourage continued innovation, broaden patient access to these life-saving devices, and ensure that small and rural hospitals have access to innovative devices.

“Innovation is the bedrock of American healthcare, and I have always worked to ensure that all patients receive access to innovative medicines and devices,” said Congressman Joyce. “The bipartisan Health Tech Act will ensure that American patients, regardless of rural or urban care settings, can access new, innovative AI-enabled medical devices that are revolutionizing healthcare.”

“In San Diego and across the United States, artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the way patients get their health care. AI-enabled medical technologies already help doctors diagnose disease earlier and treat patients more effectively. Still, too many patients lack access. The Health Technology Investment Act ensures Medicare beneficiaries will have access to these cutting-edge tools and enjoy the highest standard of care,” said Congressman Peters.

“As AI continues to transform our healthcare system, we must make sure that there are dedicated pathways to keep federal health programs aligned with innovation,” said Congressman Schneider. “The Health Tech Investment Act establishes a framework for Medicare to reimburse algorithm-based healthcare devices, ensuring seniors aren’t needlessly locked out of innovation in our medical system.”

“Algorithm-based tools are transforming the way we deliver care, but our reimbursement systems haven’t kept pace with these innovations,” saidCongressman Obernolte. “The Health Tech Investment Act creates a clear and predictable pathway for Medicare to pay for FDA-cleared, algorithm-based services so hospitals can adopt technologies that improve outcomes and reduce costs. This bill strengthens our healthcare system by supporting responsible innovation and ensuring patients benefit from the next generation of medical technology.”

"Artificial intelligence-powered medical technology is a game-changer for the health care world, and it is vital that the 1.2 million Minnesotans enrolled in Medicare have access to the most affordable and high-quality care available,” said Congresswoman Craig. “I'm proud to introduce this bill alongside my colleagues that would ensure Minnesotans can afford the cutting-edge medical devices they need."

 

Scott Whitaker, President & CEO of AdvaMed, said: “We thank Representatives Joyce, Van Duyne, Obernolte, Schneider, Peters, and Craig for their leadership with this legislation, which will help ensure that AI-enabled medtech reaches its fullest potential. For medical technology to benefit patients at scale, health systems and innovators need the clear, consistent, and stable reimbursement policy this legislation would provide.” 

“When promising imaging technologies are not covered by Medicare, patients lose access to critical care - an issue that will only grow as the pace of innovation accelerates,” said Randall Rutta, CEO of the National Health Council. “The Health Tech Investment Act is a promising step forward and will help ensure patients gain timely access to the cutting-edge technologies they need.” 

“AI technology plays a pivotal role in detecting cancer earlier and improving health outcomes. But if we want to ensure all patients have access to these critical innovations, more must be done. That's why we applaud Representatives Joyce, Van Duyne, Obernolte, Schneider, Peters, and Craig for their leadership on the Health Tech Investment Act to encourage uptake and development of this vital tool in the fight against cancer.” – Brem Foundation