- ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive and ultimately fatal neurological disorder that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. The disease is characterized by the degeneration of motor neurons, which are responsible for transmitting signals from the brain to the muscles throughout the body. As the motor neurons die, the brain loses its ability to control muscle movement, leading to muscle weakness, atrophy,
and, ultimately, paralysis. - There is no cure for ALS, and treatment options are limited. The primary goal of treatment is to slow the progression of the disease and to manage symptoms. This may include medications to reduce muscle spasms, physical therapy to maintain muscle strength and mobility, and respiratory therapy to help with breathing difficulties.
- If a beneficiary or their loved one has been diagnosed with ALS, it is important to know Medicare covers many of the treatments and services related to the disease. This includes medications, durable medical equipment (DME) (such as wheelchairs and ventilators), and medical visits. In addition, Medicare may cover certain inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services, as well as home healthcare services for those with severe mobility limitations.
- It is important to note that coverage for certain treatments and services may vary depending on the specific Medicare plan a beneficiary has. For example, some plans may have limits on the number of physical therapy sessions covered or may require the beneficiary to pay a copayment or deductible for certain services. It is also important to be aware that Medicare does not cover experimental or investigational treatments for ALS.
