Abbott’s HeartMate 3 LVAD [Image courtesy of Abbott]
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) today proposed coverage policy updates meant to increase access to VADs and artificial hearts.
The policy updates, if approved, could be good news for major VAD makers Abbott (NYSE:ABT) and Medtronic (NYSE:MDT) — as well as people with heart failure who are waiting for a heart transplant or don’t meet the criteria for one.
“CMS’ proposed revisions to its national coverage determination (NCD) for ventricular assist devices are very promising for people living with advanced heart failure. Providing patients with greater access to this technology is important as heart pumps can have a critical impact on saving and improving quality of life. We look forward to CMS’ final decision in the months ahead,” Dr. Robert L. Kormos, divisional VP of global medical affairs for Heart Failure at Abbott, said in a statement provided to Medical Design & Outsourcing and MassDevice.
Medtronic spokesperson Tracy McNulty said the company is pleased that CMS’ proposed national coverage decision memorandum for VADs will preserve patient access for all labeled LVADs currently on the market.
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