Healthy Skepticism Library item: 9966

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Publication type: Journal Article

Tanne JH.
Medicare proposes to expand payments to encourage trials of effectiveness
BMJ 2007 May 5; 334:(7600):925
http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/334/7600/925-d

Abstract:

The US Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which runs the federal Medicare health insurance plan for elderly people, last month proposed changes to how it pays for clinical trials.

If accepted, the changes would help Medicare compare existing treatments and make scientific and payment decisions that could save money while still providing effective treatment.

Under the current policy, developed in 2000, Medicare pays for certain items and services and for healthcare costs of Medicare beneficiaries who are taking part in clinical trials, but it does not pay for the “investigational” drugs, tests, and devices used in trials even when these drugs, tests, and devices have already been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). If people were receiving the FDA approved drug, test, or device outside the clinical trial, Medicare would pay for it.

Under the proposed policy Medicare would cover the cost of drugs, devices, and tests . . .