New Legislation Expands Access to Clinical Trials
Medicaid beneficiaries—particularly those from diverse communities that have been historically marginalized—have long been under-represented in clinical trials due to factors such as participation costs, time away from work, and travel expenses. Beginning January 2022, CMS will be required under the Clinical Treatment Act—part of the $2.3 trillion omnibus spending and relief package passed by Congress in 2020—to cover for Medicaid patients the “routine costs” (e.g., doctor visits, diagnostic tests, and hospital stays) associated with participating in clinical trials.