U.S. health regulators are preparing to introduce a new program aimed at accelerating federal payments for medical devices covered under Medicare, according to a report by the Financial Times. The initiative is expected to significantly reduce reimbursement wait times—from over a year to roughly two months—allowing faster access to innovative medical technologies for patients. Around 40 newly approved devices are likely to be included in the initial phase of the program.
The move addresses long-standing concerns from medical device manufacturers, who have argued that delays between regulatory approval and Medicare reimbursement hinder innovation and investment. Unlike pharmaceuticals, which benefit from clearer reimbursement pathways, device makers have faced uncertainty in coverage decisions. Major industry players such as Medtronic and Johnson & Johnson—both of which have actively lobbied for reforms—are expected to benefit from the policy shift.
The program will be jointly discussed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the Food and Drug Administration during a scheduled press briefing. The initiative comes amid broader efforts by the administration to curb healthcare costs while improving patient access to treatments ahead of upcoming midterm elections. Reuters has not independently verified the report.
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