Senator Mike Lee Urges Action for Transitional Coverage of Innovative Med Tech

October 13, 2022

Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) and a group of like-minded colleagues are preparing to send a letter to CMS Administration Chiquita Brooks-LaSure urging the agency to issue a proposed rule by year’s end to provide accelerated Medicare coverage for emerging medical technologies. Medicare patients should have timely access to innovative and beneficial care, which can change lives and improve patient outcomes.

After repealing the “Medicare Coverage for Innovative Technology” (MCIT) rule last year, CMS has expressed interest in creating a transitional coverage pathway, termed “Transitional Coverage for Emerging Technologies” or TCET. However, to date, a new round of rulemaking has not materialized.

During a day in the BioHive in August, Lee toured a number of Utah life sciences companies who expressed concerns about the unpredictable and lengthy process to obtain Medicare coverage and reimbursement.

“BioUtah thanks Senator Lee for recognizing the need to develop policy that gives seniors quicker access to the most cutting-edge and effectve technologies possible,” said Kelvyn Cullimore, president and CEO of BioUtah.

The Senate letter, once finalized, is expected to be shared with CMS in a matter of days.