WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the House Committee on Ways and Means passed Representative Kevin Hern’s (R-OK-01) priorities that would enhance health care treatments by increasing access to Prescription Digital Therapeutics (PDTs) as part of H.R. 8816, the American Medical Innovation and Investment Act of 2024. 

This legislation would open up Medicare pathways to cover PDT’s, which are software-based disease treatments designed to directly treat disease. PDTs are designed and tested much like traditional prescription drugs, but rather than swallowing a pill or taking an injection, patients receive cognitive therapy through software. The treatments are tested for safety and efficacy in randomized clinical trials, evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and prescribed by health care providers.

“Technology has tremendously improved our lives in so many ways, it’s time we apply that to our medical care,” said Rep. Hern. “Prescription digital therapeutics will provide important benefits to patients - such as mental health resources for veterans - while unlocking untold potential in new technologies. I’m proud to have introduced this legislation in the House to ensure Americans have access to cutting-edge care.” 

“Congress has a responsibility to support providers and innovators with the tools they need to deliver the highest level of care to patients,” said Ways and Means Chairman Jason Smith. “Congressman Hern’s bill will give Medicare beneficiaries access to digital therapeutics that show great promise in behavioral therapy and treatment for other diseases, disorders, and conditions. Opening up this technology to patients will help our health system stay ahead of the curve by helping to identify and treat disease before it progresses.” 

The legislation is headed to the House of Representatives for a full vote, expected later this summer. 

You can view the full bill text HERE and watch his remarks HERE.

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