CMS is proposing broader coverage of PET scans for patients with Alzheimer's disease, which can help determine if patients are eligible for newly-approved drugs to treat the disease.
In a July 17 memo, the agency proposed eliminating previous limits on Medicare coverage of the scans, which restricted their use to clinical trials.
The scans can detect beta amyloid plaques in the brain, which new treatments for the disease target.
The FDA approved Leqembi, Eisai and Biogen's medication targeting amyloid plaques in the brain, July 6. CMS will cover the drugs for Medicare patients under certain conditions.
The proposal is open for comment until Aug. 16.