Hemoglobinopathies

In a news release, the American Society of Hematology (ASH) applauded H.R. 6216, the Sickle Cell Disease Comprehensive Care Act, introduced in December 2021 by Representatives Danny Davis (D-IL-7) and Michael Burgess, MD (R-TX-26 to improve access of Medicaid enrollees with sickle cell disease (SCD) to comprehensive, high-quality outpatient care. The bill directs the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to create a Medicaid demonstration program to boost access to clinical, mental health, and support services for individuals with SCD. In participating states, access to primary and preventive services in this population would be expanded and patient-centered care plans would be developed through reimbursement for care coordinators, community health workers, and other nontraditional service providers. ASH was instrumental in the introduction of this bill, through its coordination with SCD partners and several dozen SCD stakeholder groups. In a congratulatory statement, ASH President Martin S. Tallman, MD, wrote, "The introduction of the new bill, which would provide an organized approach to primary and preventive care for individuals with SCD, is a crucial first step toward improving outcomes for the SCD community."