Breaking News: Medicare Coverage Policy to Include External Infusion Pumps for PD Treatment
In an exciting step forward for PD treatment, APDA’s Advocacy team successfully secured changes to a Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) External Infusion Pump Local Coverage Determination (LCD) to include infusion-based therapy for people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). LCDs play an important role in a patient access to treatment and services. This change will take effect on January 25, 2026.
What is infusion-based therapy? Carbidopa/levodopa remains the most effective medication for people with PD and it is available in various strengths and delivery systems. For some people, instead of taking carbidopa/levodopa in a pill form, they can receive a precursor form of carbidopa/levodopa infused into the subcutaneous tissue where it is absorbed into the bloodstream. There is also a formulation of carbidopa/levodopa that can be infused into the small intestine where levodopa is absorbed.
“APDA applauds this change and looks forward to continued collaboration with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on ways to improve the lives of people living with Parkinson’s disease,” said Anne Hubbard, Chief Public Policy Officer, APDA. “Ensuring that people living with Parkinson’s have access to advanced therapeutic technologies is a top APDA Advocacy priority.”
APDA will continue to advocate for policies that improve patient access to critical PD treatments and services.If you are interested in learning more about PD advocacy news and ways you can get involved, please fill out this simple form so we can keep you posted.