Bill · S. 3763· Senate(119-S-3763)
ALS Better Care Act
- Introduced
- 2/3/2026
- Last activity
- 2/3/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
- Sponsored by
- Lisa Murkowski
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The ALS Better Care Act aims to amend the Social Security Act to provide Medicare coverage for services related to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. It establishes coverage for various essential services such as specialized physician support, physical therapy, and respiratory support for diagnosed individuals. The bill implements a single payment system for qualified providers to ensure they are reimbursed for these complex medical needs. It also addresses the need for improved reimbursement to help facilities innovate and handle the progressive nature of the disease. Additionally, the Act requires a report on the challenges regarding the administration and staffing of ALS clinical trials.
Yes· 3 of 8
Does this make health care easier to get in general?+7
The bill expands coverage for essential services including physical, occupational, and respiratory therapy for ALS patients.
Would people over 65 be better off under this?+7
The bill enhances Medicare coverage for crucial ALS-related services for eligible individuals.
Does this put more money into Medicare, the health coverage for people over 65?+6
The bill establishes a new payment system for ALS-related services under Medicare.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Expanded Medical Coverage: The bill provides Medicare coverage for ALS-related services, including occupational therapy, speech pathology, dietary support, and respiratory support, which are crucial for managing the disease (Section 2, Section 3(a)).
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Improved Quality of Life and Longevity: By providing key services through specialized support, the bill aims to extend patient lifespans and improve their quality of life (Section 2).
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Increased Access via Telehealth: The bill recognizes that remote medical management and telehealth are essential for patients in rural areas or care deserts, as well as those with limited mobility (Section 2).
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Financial Protection for Patients: The payment system for ALS-related services is designed to be made on an assignment-related basis without any cost sharing for the individual (Section 3(b)(5)).
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Support for Research and Innovation: Improved reimbursement rates are intended to encourage facilities to invest in research, technology, and enhanced treatment options (Section 2).
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Addressing Clinical Trial Obstacles: The bill requires a report to identify challenges in the administration and staffing of clinical trials, which could help address low funding and staffing issues that currently delay potential treatments (Section 2, Section 4).
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.
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access+7Increases Medicare Funding+6Increases Research Funding+4
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Seniors+7Good For Rural Residents+5Good For Low Income Households+4
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Poverty Reduction+3
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Small Business Support+2
- 2/3/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
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.
Christopher CoonsDemocrat · Delaware