American Institutes for Research Secures Federal Contract
The American Institutes for Research (AIR) has received a federal contract aimed at supporting the implementation and monitoring of an innovative program designed to expand access to groundbreaking cell and gene therapy (CGT) treatments for Medicaid recipients. This contract, valued at $28 million, has been awarded by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) under the auspices of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Experts from AIR will be instrumental in executing the CGT Access Model.
Emphasis on Transformative Cell and Gene Therapies
CGTs are a new category of one-time therapies created to tackle diseases that have been difficult to treat in the past. The CGT Access Model aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a collaborative strategy between CMS and states in negotiating and managing outcomes-based agreements (OBAs). The primary objectives are to improve access and health outcomes for Medicaid recipients, reduce healthcare costs, and promote health equity.
Initial Focus on Sickle Cell Disease
The model will first concentrate on Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), a genetic blood disorder that affects more than 100,000 people in the United States, with a significant impact on Black communities. Individuals with SCD often face a life expectancy that is over twenty years shorter than the national average and frequently experience intense pain episodes, leading to numerous hospital visits.
AIR's Role and Responsibilities
With this contract, AIR will take on a vital role in the implementation, monitoring, and data analysis related to the program. Known for its extensive experience in CMMI model implementation, AIR is committed to advancing health equity through its various initiatives.
Key Responsibilities Include:
- Overseeing the implementation and outcomes of the CGT Access Model;
- Creating and executing a comprehensive data collection and analysis strategy to assess health outcomes and financial metrics;
- Sharing findings at conferences to disseminate knowledge and foster innovation.
Collaboration with Esteemed Partners
Daniela Zapata, a principal researcher at AIR, has been appointed as the project director for this initiative. AIR is collaborating with Deloitte and Wally Smith, the Florence Neal Cooper Smith Professor of Sickle Cell Disease and Director of the Adult Sickle Cell Program at Virginia Commonwealth University, on this project.
Potential Impact on Healthcare
“The Cell and Gene Therapy Access Model has the potential to make revolutionary treatments more accessible to those who need them while also lowering long-term healthcare costs,” stated Timothy Hill, senior vice president at AIR and head of the institution’s Health Division. “We are enthusiastic about partnering with CMS and other stakeholders to explore innovative solutions that can improve the lives of individuals and create a more equitable healthcare environment.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the federal contract awarded to AIR?
The contract is intended to assist in implementing and monitoring a program that aims to increase access to transformative cell and gene therapy treatments for Medicaid recipients.
What is the CGT Access Model?
The CGT Access Model assesses a collaborative approach to negotiate and manage outcomes-based agreements, with the goal of improving health outcomes and access for Medicaid beneficiaries.
Which condition is the initial focus of the CGT Access Model?
The model will initially focus on Sickle Cell Disease, a hereditary blood disorder that affects a significant number of individuals in the U.S.
Who are AIR's partners in this initiative?
AIR is collaborating with Deloitte and Wally Smith from Virginia Commonwealth University for this project.
What potential benefits does the project foresee?
The project aims to increase access to advanced therapies, improve health equity, and potentially reduce long-term healthcare costs.