New Speech Generating Device Law Passed

Common sense has prevailed.  At least for the next few years. Hopefully the regulations can catch up with the technology before this law expires.

From the Tobii website:

On the evening of July 30, 2015, President Obama officially signed The Steve Gleason Act.  The new law helps protects patient access to medically necessary Speech Generating Devices (SGDs) for individuals with communication disabilities, including ALS, Cerebral Palsy, spinal cord injuries, and Rett Syndrome.  Specifically, the new law will remove SGDs from the Medicare Durable Medical Equipment (DME) payment category as a “Capped Rental” and provide coverage of eye-tracking technology for patients who rely on this method to access and operate covered SGDs. These amendments are effective beginning October 1, 2015 through October 1, 2018.

The passage of The Steve Gleason Act is a monumental step for Medicare patients who rely on assistive technology to communicate with their loved ones and caregivers. The reform serves as acknowledgement to the community of the equal importance of the right to be heard. The presidential signing also comes just a day after the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) updated their coverage policy for speech generating devices.