House Committee Unanimously Approves Steve Gleason Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Steve Scalise (R-La.) released the following statement today applauding the U.S. House Committee on Ways and Means for favorably reporting the Steve Gleason Act of 2015. The Steve Gleason Act of 2015 is named in honor of the Team Gleason founder and former New Orleans Saints player diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The bill creates reforms to provide more independence and hope to those with debilitating diseases, such as ALS, Parkinson’s, stroke and traumatic brain injuries.

“Speech-generating devices provide those with debilitating diseases the freedom to communicate with loved ones and doctors, to live more independent lives and to inspire others to never give up,” Rep. Scalise said. “Every voice deserves to be heard, no matter the challenges they face. Unanimous approval of the Steve Gleason Act by Ways and Means today brings this bipartisan piece of legislation one step closer to becoming law, and I applaud the Ways and Means Committee, under the leadership of Chairman Paul Ryan, for championing this important policy for those that refuse to be defined by their disability.”

Specifically, the Steve Gleason Act:

• Ensures speech generating devices (SGDs) are classified as medically necessary and are categorized as “routinely purchased” under Medicare
• Reverses the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) capped rental policy to allow patients to own their devices and continue using them in facilities such as nursing homes
• Ensures eye tracking technology and gaze interaction accessories are covered under Medicare for ALS patients with demonstrated medical needs.