Medicare coverage of speech generating devices (SGDs) has historically fallen victim to unintended consequences for beneficiaries who need an SGD to communicate. Most recently, it literally took two Acts of Congress to remove barriers to SGD coverage … [Read more...] about Speech Generating Devices: Beneficiary Voices Silenced Once Again by CMS
SGD
Remember People with Medicare in Renewed Spending Bill Debates
Following the reopening of the federal government on January 23, 2018, the Center for Medicare Advocacy and the Medicare Rights Center issued a joint statement highlighting how Congress has so far failed to address several issues critical to people … [Read more...] about Remember People with Medicare in Renewed Spending Bill Debates
An Update on the Steve Gleason Enduring Voices Act
Making permanent the law that provides access to Speech Generating Devices for Medicare beneficiaries The Bill was introduced in the Senate (S.1132) and House (H.R.2465) in May 2017. In the House, H.R. 2465 was referred to the Energy and … [Read more...] about An Update on the Steve Gleason Enduring Voices Act
Steve Gleason Enduring Voices Act Introduced
Legislation would make the Steve Gleason Act of 2015, which increased access to speech generating devices for people with degenerative diseases, permanent. On May 16, 2017, Representatives John Larson (D-CT), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), and … [Read more...] about Steve Gleason Enduring Voices Act Introduced
Better Medicare Coverage of Speech Generating Devices
Over the past week, problems with Medicare coverage of Speech Generating Devices (SGDs) have been favorably addressed through both final Administrative and Congressional action. Prior to these actions, Medicare only covered SGDs to generate … [Read more...] about Better Medicare Coverage of Speech Generating Devices
Steve Gleason Act Passes in Congress: Center for Medicare Advocacy is Proud to Partner with Team Gleason
July 16, 2015 WASHINGTON, DC – Steve Gleason, former NFL standout athlete for the New Orleans Saints, has redefined what it means to be a hero. Diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig’s disease) in 2011, … [Read more...] about Steve Gleason Act Passes in Congress: Center for Medicare Advocacy is Proud to Partner with Team Gleason
Medicare Takes a Big Step Forward to Help People Communicate – But There’s More to Do
Beneficiaries who seek Medicare coverage for expanded types and features of Speech Generating Devices (SGDs) have reason to be optimistic. Electronic devices that meet the definition of a Speech Generating Device will be coverable. This … [Read more...] about Medicare Takes a Big Step Forward to Help People Communicate – But There’s More to Do
“Until there is a cure, technology is the cure.”
(Steve Gleason, on living with ALS and utilizing a speech generating device.) The Steve Gleason Act of 2015, recently introduced in the House and the Senate, is a good first step toward ensuring continuous Medicare coverage for individuals who … [Read more...] about “Until there is a cure, technology is the cure.”
Welcome Reprieve for People Who Need Speech Generating Devices (SGDs) To Communicate
CMS Rescinds Restrictive Policy and Will Reconsider Technological Advances CMS announced yesterday that it has begun the process of updating its Medicare coverage policy for Speech Generating Devices (SGDs). A new SGD National Coverage … [Read more...] about Welcome Reprieve for People Who Need Speech Generating Devices (SGDs) To Communicate
We Need Your Speech Generating Device (SGD) Stories!
SGD@MedicareAdvocacy.org CMS is currently reviewing its SGD policies. We are hopeful that CMS will revise these policies to allow SGD users to keep their speech when they’re admitted into health care facilities and be able to use their SGDs … [Read more...] about We Need Your Speech Generating Device (SGD) Stories!