Ensuring Medicare Advantage supports kidney care innovative therapies

(a) In general Section 1853(c) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w–23(c)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (8) Treatment of innovative products for enrollees with end stage renal disease (A) In general Beginning January 1, 2026, the Secretary shall make direct payment adjustments to providers of services or renal dialysis facilities for— (i) any new renal dialysis drug or biological product that receives a transitional drug add-on payment adjustment under section 413.234(c) of title 42, Code of Federal Regulations; or (ii) an item or service that receives a transitional add-on payment adjustment for new and innovative equipment and supplies under section 413.236 of such title. (B) Amount of direct payment The amount of the adjustment shall equal the amount determined under the end-stage renal disease prospective payment system described in section 1881(b)(14). (C) Duration of direct payment The Secretary shall make payments under subparagraph (A) for the duration of the transitional payment under the end-stage renal disease prospective payment system described in such section.. (b) Conforming amendments Section 1851(i) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w–21) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1), by inserting 1853(c)(8), after 1886(h)(3)(D),; and (2) in paragraph (2), by inserting 1853(c)(8), after 1853(h),.