Biden admin starts model for better sickle cell therapy access

Contributed by CMS Media Relations The Biden-Harris Administration announced sickle cell disease (SCD) will be the first focus of the Cell and Gene Therapy (CGT) Access Model that was initially announced in February 2023. The model is designed to improve health outcomes, increase access to cell and gene therapies, and lower health care costs for some of the nation’s most vulnerable populations. Sickle cell disease is an extremely painful condition, which disproportionately impacts Black Americans and has had limited treatment options. In the United States, more than 100,000 people live with SCD. Individuals with the disease have a shorter life expectancy, by more than 20 years, compared to someone living without SCD. Additionally, many long-term health complications from SCD — including stroke, acute chest syndrome and chronic end-organ damage — can lead to higher rates of emergency department visits and hospitalizations. Patients with SCD experience challenges with access to quality and affordability of care. This model has the potential to help improve health outcomes for patients and families with SCD while also ensuring taxpayer dollars are being used more effectively. “HHS is using every tool available to us to increase access to high-quality, affordable health care and lower health care...