Bill · H.R. 7336· House(119-HR-7336)
ALS Better Care Act
- Introduced
- 2/3/2026
- Last activity
- 2/3/2026 — Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Sponsored by
- Janice Schakowsky
- Cosponsors
- - 11 - 3
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The ALS Better Care Act aims to amend the Social Security Act to cover ALS-related services under Medicare. This legislation targets individuals diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis to ensure they have access to essential care. The bill establishes a specific payment system for qualified providers to deliver services like specialized physician support, physical therapy, and respiratory support. It sets a base payment amount that begins in 2027 and includes mechanisms for annual increases. Additionally, the bill mandates reports to address challenges in clinical trial staffing and administration.
Yes· 3 of 11
Would people with disabilities be better off under this?+7
The bill directly addresses the specialized medical and management needs of people living with the debilitating disability of ALS.
Does this make health care easier to get in general?+7
The bill expands coverage for essential ALS services like physical therapy, respiratory support, and telehealth to ensure better access for patients.
Would people over 65 be better off under this?+5
The bill improves Medicare coverage for critical services needed by seniors managing ALS.
The opposite
Does this make the government pay for what it commits to?-2
The bill establishes new, mandatory Medicare payment structures for ALS-related services.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Improved Access to Essential Care: The bill provides coverage for a wide range of critical services including specialized physician or nurse practitioner support, occupational therapy, speech pathology, physical therapy, dietary support, respiratory support, and registered nurse support (Section 3, subsection a, paragraph 1).
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Financial Relief for Patients: The legislation specifies that payments for these services shall be made without any cost sharing for the individual (Section 3, subsection b, paragraph 5).
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Support for Rural Access: By addressing the need for remote medical management and telehealth, the bill aims to assist patients in rural areas or care deserts who often face challenges accessing specialized care or traveling long distances (Section 2, paragraph 8 and 9).
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Enhanced Treatment through Research: Improved reimbursement rates are intended to encourage facilities to invest in research, innovation, and technology, which can lead to better treatment options and outcomes (Section 2, paragraph 7).
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Increased Support for Clinical Trials: The bill includes payment adjustments for providers participating in clinical trials to account for increased costs (Section 3, subsection b, paragraph 3).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No negative impacts or burdens are explicitly stated in the provided text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For People With Disabilities+7Good For Rural Residents+5Good For Seniors+5Good For Low Income Households+4
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access+7Increases Medicare Funding+5Increases Research Funding+4
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Rural Development+4
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding+3
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Poverty Reduction+3
- Economy And Finance
- Increases Job Creation+2Improves Fiscal Responsibility-2
- 10/9/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 9/8/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/9/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 5/29/2026
- 4 Cosponsors added.
- 4/21/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 4/9/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 2/20/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 2/3/2026
- Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Don BaconRepublican · Nebraska
Nikki BudzinskiDemocrat · Illinois
Janelle BynumDemocrat · Oregon
Jason CrowDemocrat · Colorado
Brian FitzpatrickRepublican · Pennsylvania
Adelita GrijalvaDemocrat · Arizona
Joseph MorelleDemocrat · New York
Seth MagazinerDemocrat · Rhode Island
Brittany PettersenDemocrat · Colorado
Mike QuigleyDemocrat · Illinois
David SchweikertRepublican · Arizona
Bradley SchneiderDemocrat · Illinois
Thomas SuozziDemocrat · New York
Paul TonkoDemocrat · New York