Medicare Coverage of New Oncology Technology
Advances in medical devices have the potential to improve patient outcomes, reduce beneficiaries’ overall cost of care, and lower potential costs to the Medicare program. As cancer risk increases with age, it is critical to understand how the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) ensures access to cutting-edge oncology technologies under Medicare – the primary insurer for individuals over 65. This paper analyzes Medicare’s coverage determination process and proposals to expedite beneficiaries’ access to new oncology technologies and presents policy recommendations for reform.