However, the letter states that despite these advancements, access to innovative medical technologies remains a major barrier for Medicare patients. A recent study showed nearly 6 years can pass between FDA market authorization and Medicare coverage for these technologies.

To address this, the letter explains that H.R. 1691 would provide temporary Medicare coverage for FDA-authorized breakthrough technologies. This would allow patients quicker access to these innovations while still giving the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) time to collect evidence to support permanent coverage decisions.

The letter also supports ensuring H.R. 1691 includes coverage for innovative diagnostic technologies, as these are essential for getting Medicare patients the right treatments. Overall, the letter urges Congress to support H.R. 1691 in order to provide Medicare patients more timely access to new, beneficial medical technologies and diagnostics.