Moran sponsors legislation to expand allergy testing under Medicare, Medicaid

U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran (R-KS) recently unveiled legislation that would provide Medicare and Medicaid coverage for specific allergy tests. 

“Too many Americans are at a significant disadvantage when it comes to how we diagnose and treat dangerous allergies,” said Sen. Moran. “Regardless of your age or where you live, folks ought to have equal access to allergy testing to ensure a proper diagnosis and treatment — and to avoid a potentially life-threatening situation.”

Sen. Moran on July 24 sponsored the Allergy Testing Access Act of 2019, S. 2246, to amend the Social Security Act to provide equal coverage of in vitro specific IgE tests and percutaneous tests for allergies under the Medicare and Medicaid programs, according to the bill’s text. 

If enacted, S. 2246 would stipulate that “for purposes of payment only, in the case of allergy diagnostic testing services — in vitro specific IgE tests shall be treated as clinical diagnostic laboratory tests; and percutaneous tests shall be treated as physicians’ services,” according to the text. 

“Allergy testing is vital for children and adults and can reduce emergency room visits, hospitalizations, missed school days, and in serious cases, save lives,” according to a one-page summary of the bill provided by Sen. Moran. “Allergic diseases are the sixth-leading cause of chronic illness in the U.S., with more than 50 million Americans living with allergy symptoms, carrying an associated cost of over $18 billion.”

However, inconsistencies remain in Medicare and Medicaid coverage of allergy testing that both reduce access and increase overall costs, according to the summary.

“This legislation creates fairness in the coverage and accessibility of these tests, and I urge my colleagues to pass this sensible measure,” said Sen. Moran. 

S. 2246 is endorsed by the National Medical Association and has been referred for consideration to the U.S. Senate Finance Committee.