Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13), along with a bipartisan group of lawmakers, has introduced the Health Tech Investment Act. The legislation aims to improve access to artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled medical devices by assigning all U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved AI-enabled devices to a New Technology Ambulatory Payment Classification (APC) in the Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) for at least five years. This approach is intended to gather necessary data on delivery and service costs before a permanent payment code is assigned.
The bill seeks to ensure that these devices receive accurate payment codes under the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Supporters say this will encourage innovation, expand patient access, and help small and rural hospitals obtain new technologies.
“Innovation is the bedrock of American healthcare, and I have always worked to ensure that all patients receive access to innovative medicines and devices,” said Congressman Joyce. “The bipartisan Health Tech Act will ensure that American patients, regardless of rural or urban care settings, can access new, innovative AI-enabled medical devices that are revolutionizing healthcare.”
Congressman Scott Peters highlighted the impact of AI in healthcare: “In San Diego and across the United States, artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the way patients get their health care. AI-enabled medical technologies already help doctors diagnose disease earlier and treat patients more effectively. Still, too many patients lack access. The Health Technology Investment Act ensures Medicare beneficiaries will have access to these cutting-edge tools and enjoy the highest standard of care.”
Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne emphasized the need for CMS adaptation: “As healthcare technology innovates and advances with AI integration to deliver diagnoses and treatments for American patients, so too must the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) adapt and provide certainty on coverage and payments for these potentially miraculous new healthcare advancements,” she said. “The Health Tech Investment Act delivers common sense adjustments to ensure CMS properly classifies and establishes payment systems for U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved AI-enabled medical devices. Not only is this important for further innovation in healthcare technology but it is vital for patient access and treatment with the most leading-edge procedures available.”
Congressman Brad Schneider stated: “As AI continues to transform our healthcare system, we must make sure that there are dedicated pathways to keep federal health programs aligned with innovation,” he said. “The Health Tech Investment Act establishes a framework for Medicare to reimburse algorithm-based healthcare devices, ensuring seniors aren’t needlessly locked out of innovation in our medical system.”
Congressman Jay Obernolte commented on reimbursement systems: “Algorithm-based tools are transforming the way we deliver care, but our reimbursement systems haven’t kept pace with these innovations,” he said.“The Health Tech Investment Act creates a clear and predictable pathway for Medicare to pay for FDA-cleared, algorithm-based services so hospitals can adopt technologies that improve outcomes and reduce costs. This bill strengthens our healthcare system by supporting responsible innovation and ensuring patients benefit from the next generation of medical technology.”
Congresswoman Angie Craig added: “Artificial intelligence-powered medical technology is a game-changer for the health care world, and it is vital that the 1.2 million Minnesotans enrolled in Medicare have access to the most affordable and high-quality care available,” she said.“I’m proud to introduce this bill alongside my colleagues that would ensure Minnesotans can afford the cutting-edge medical devices they need.”
Industry leaders also voiced support for the measure. Scott Whitaker, President & CEO of AdvaMed stated: “We thank Representatives Joyce, Van Duyne, Obernolte, Schneider, Peters, and Craig for their leadership with this legislation, which will help ensure that AI-enabled medtech reaches its fullest potential. For medical technology to benefit patients at scale, health systems and innovators need the clear, consistent, and stable reimbursement policy this legislation would provide.”
Randall Rutta from National Health Council noted: “When promising imaging technologies are not covered by Medicare, patients lose access to critical care – an issue that will only grow as the pace of innovation accelerates,” he said.“The Health Tech Investment Act is a promising step forward and will help ensure patients gain timely access to the cutting-edge technologies they need.”
Brem Foundation praised lawmakers’ efforts: “AI technology plays a pivotal role in detecting cancer earlier and improving health outcomes. But if we want to ensure all patients have access to these critical innovations more must be done. That’s why we applaud Representatives Joyce,V an Duyne,O bernolte,S chneider,P eters,and C raigfor their leadership on the Health Tech Investment Actto encourage uptakeand developmentof this vital toolin th e fight against cancer.”
John Joyce has served as U.S Representative since 2019 after replacing Bill Shuster as representative of Pennsylvania’s 13th district https://www.house.gov/representatives#state-pa . He was born in Altoona in 1957 https://bioguide.congress.gov/search/bio/J000304 , graduated from Pennsylvania State University in 1979 with a BS degree https://www.congress.gov/member/john-joyce/J000304 ,and currently livesin Hollidaysburg.
