Legislation Marks a Milestone in Ensuring Equal Access to Healthcare for Individuals with Disabilities

Arlington, VA – (February 8, 2024) The ALS Association applauds the recent passage of legislation by the House of Representatives that bans the use of Quality-Adjusted Life Years (QALYs) in federal programs. This legislation, spearheaded by Energy and Commerce Chair Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.), marks a significant victory for individuals living with disabilities, including those affected by ALS.

QALYs, which assess a drug’s impact on health outcomes and quality of life, have long been criticized for their discriminatory nature, particularly against people with disabilities. The legislation prohibits the use of QALYs and similar measures in Medicare, Medicaid, the VA, and other federal programs, ensuring that individuals with disabilities are not unfairly marginalized or denied access to essential treatments and services.

The ALS Association is committed to challenging methodologies that may restrict access to essential treatments for individuals with ALS through legislation at all levels of government. To learn more about the bill and its implications, please visit the official document on Congress.gov.

For more information about the ALS Association's advocacy efforts and initiatives, please visit als.org/advocacy.

About The ALS Association
The ALS Association is the largest philanthropic funder of ALS research in the world. The Association funds global research collaborations, assists people with ALS and their families through its nationwide network of care and certified clinical care centers, and advocates for better public policies for people with ALS. The ALS Association is working to make ALS a livable disease while urgently searching for new treatments and a cure. For more information about the ALS Association, visit our website at als.org.