ALS Medicare Costs (USA)

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) raises Medicare costs in the first year after diagnosis, with spending more than three times higher than the average beneficiary. About one in three people with ALS use riluzole and a smaller share use edaravone, and those on these drugs have higher total costs and out-of-pocket bills. The findings show a meaningful financial burden for people with ALS and for Medicare, but 2025 changes to cap Part D out-of-pocket costs could ease access and reduce bills.