Amy Klobuchar: “I support the Steve Gleason Act, which passed the Senate last week. I would especially like to thank Senator Vitter for…”

“I support the Steve Gleason Act, which passed the Senate last week. I would especially like to thank Senator Vitter for championing this important legislation that will ensure patients on Medicare have access to critical speech-generating devices. I am so glad that we were able to come together to pass this bipartisan bill and take an important step toward giving patients their voices back. For Americans affected by debilitating diseases, speech-generating devices aren't a luxury--they are a lifeline. Without these devices, many people who are suffering from diseases like ALS and Parkinson's can't communicate with their family members, caregivers and friends. Many patients use their devices in conjunction with eye gaze technology because they no longer have use of their hands, arms, and other parts of their body. And these new technologies allow patients to use the Internet and email--technologies most us take for granted but are crucial to help keep patients connected with their communities. Unfortunately, recent policy changes have threatened patients' access to these important devices and associated technologies. Under the new policy, Medicare will stop paying for speech-generating devices if a patient is admitted to a hospital, nursing facility, or hospice. It is at this time that patients are most vulnerable and most in need of being able to communicate with their doctors, caregivers, and loved ones.…”