2 days ago
Lower costs for lifesaving treatment coming to Oregon in 2026
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Lifesaving cell and gene therapy will be offered at lowered costs to people on the Oregon Health Plan (OHP) in 2026.
The OHP is Oregon's Medicaid program, offering coverage for healthcare services. The implementation of this new cut to costs will help those who are covered under OHP and are seeking treatment for a rare or severe disease.
35 states, including Oregon, applied to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' (CMS) 'Cell and Gene Therapy Access Model' (CGT), designed to lower costs to patients in need as well as the states offering these services. The plan intends to begin by focusing on sickle cell disease, a condition in which red blood cells are misshapen due to a gene mutation.
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This disease is genetic and disproportionately affects those with African ancestry, with 9 of 10 of those affected by the disease identifying as Black. The condition can cause extreme health difficulties.
Emma Sandoe, Medicaid Director for Oregon Health Authority, said, 'The cost of cell and gene therapies for sickle cell disease is a real barrier that prevents Oregonians from living longer, healthier.'
The CGT program will also help patients in preparation for cell therapy. Before the therapy, patients undergo myeloablative chemotherapy, a process that can affect future fertility. CGT will cover, or drastically reduce the cost of, fertility preservation treatments as well as travel expenses and much more.
'This initiative is a big step forward in promoting innovative treatments and increasing access to lifesaving treatment,' Sandoe said.
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